Category: News

Home / Category: News

Above Ground Pool Winterization Hacks

November 8, 2024 | News | No Comments

When closing an above ground pool for winter, there are many skills known to the veteran pool owner. Getting the perfect fit and performance from your winter pool cover is easier when you develop a few techniques of your own. In this post, we discuss simple ways to solve any above ground pool winterization problems with simple tools and supplies.

Hack #1: Milk Jugs to Weigh Down Cable

This above ground pool winterization hack has been around for years! Save your half-gallon or gallon milk or juice jugs so you can hang them on the cable of your winter cover. Fill the jugs halfway with water (with a splash of antifreeze) to help keep the cable taut, and help block wind. You can do the same thing, however, with our wall bags, perfectly sized vinyl wall bags that expand as the water inside freezes.

Hack #2: Soda Bottles as Ice Compensators

When temps reach 32° F, the pool surface freezes solid. Ice expands nearly 10% and puts enormous pressure on pool walls. Some folks use soda bottles to absorb ice expansion. Simply fill twelve 2-liter bottles with pea gravel, tape them together, and toss them in your pool! Alternatively, use air pillows, which keep ice from forming on the water’s surface! Use enough to cover about 10% of your pool surface area.

Hack #3: Lumber to Stop Wind

Some people with fairly small pools can use aluminum pool poles across the pool to keep above ground pool covers secure. If that’s not an option, the winter cover seal accomplishes the same goal.

Hack #4: Ratchet Strap Around Pool

A ratchet strap is a nylon webbing strap and a ratcheting winch, similar to the small version that comes with the pool cover cable. Use several ratchet straps to make a star pattern over the pool, like the spider cover saver. Or you can buy an 80–100 ft ratchet strap, and use it instead of the standard cover cable and winch system.

Hack #5: Floating Tennis Ball to Absorb Oils

Especially during the winter months, your skimmer and filter can’t remove surface oils as well as during warmer weather. These oils mix with floating gunk, and deposit on the walls. While tennis balls can absorb floating oils, our 2-pack of scum balls, treated sponges specifically designed for absorbing floating oils, are even more effective.

Hack #6: Store Equipment Inside

Storing equipment inside is a good idea if your pump and filter are easily moved. Especially for filter systems that are not covered or protected from the elements, a climate-controlled location is better. However, don’t move a sand filter system, because too much jostling can damage the laterals or standpipe. For cartridge or D.E. (or Diatomaceous Earth) filter systems, drain the water, and move it inside for winter.

Hack #7: Water Weight for High Winds

Many people in high-wind areas leave some water on top of the cover, to secure the cover during windy days. The problem is that too little may not be enough, and too much water can stress the cover. When it freezes and thaws, the sharp edges of the ice sheet may cut the cover. Instead, many pool owners like to use a cover seal to wrap the outer edge of the pool, or use cover clips to clip the cover to the top rail, especially on both sides of each vertical upright.

Hack #8: Siphon Water Cover

Of course, we sell small submersible cover pumps to pump off water for you, but if you want a natural solution to the rain water and snow melt that accumulates, many people use the old siphon method. It’s fine, but it rarely gets everything before the hose sucks in air, loses prime, or the hose clogs. The Dryco cover drain is the permanent, engineered solution to cover draining. Or use the pool cover drain for a weighted siphon plate that resists clogging.

Hack #9: Winter Chlorine Floater

Many people fill up their summer pool floater with chlorine tablets to slowly distribute chlorine during the fall months. This is all well and good, until the floater rests against the side wall or tips over. All could lead to bleaching or fading of your pool liner. It’s better to stick with the non-chlorine sanitizing winter floater, found only in our In The Swim Winter Kits.


By

It is that time of the year again – pool openings are just around the corner! Whether you have been putting it off for the last couple of years or just want a new look and feel to your pool; what better way to start off the pool season than with a new above ground pool liner?

There are several different types of above ground pool liners, so how do you know which type of pool liner is right for your pool? If you have your original pool manual it would tell you in there, but most of have lost/misplaced that years ago. There are some very easy ways to determine what kind of pool liner you will need for your pool.

Overlap Above Ground Liners

To determine if you have an overlap pool liner, look under the top rail to see if any of the liner is visible on the outside of the pool. This is the easiest way to determine if you have an overlap liner pool. If you’re not sure, you can remove two upright caps and a section of the top rail. A typical overlap pool uses plastic pool coping strips to hold the pool liner in place. Whenever the liner is hanging over the outside of the pool wall, it’s an overlap pool liner.

Overlap liners are made for flat bottomed pools with a wall height of 48” to 54”. You only need to know the size and shape of your pool. For example, if you have a round pool, you will need to know its diameter. If you have an oval pool you will need to measure the length and width. (Don´t guess at your pool measurements, please measure from wall to wall – to be sure.

Beaded Above Ground Liners

Beaded liners differ from overlap liners because this type of liner fits into a pre-existing track on the pool wall. There is no need to take off the top rail in most cases. The beaded liner inserts into the track and does not go over the wall, as does an overlap liner.

A standard bead measures a little over 1/8” on the top width and 5/16” on the hook and extends down to 1-1/8” to the bottom. When purchasing a beaded liner you need to order the exact wall height. If you end up with a liner that is too long, unsightly wrinkles are the result. Carefully measure the wall height from the flat floor to the track. Check in two or more locations to be sure of your measurement. If ordering by phone, be sure to let our representatives know your wall height – either 48”; 52”; or 54”.

Unibead Above Ground Liners

Also referred to also as a “J-hook”, unibead pool liners look like a hook sliding over the pool wall. The J-hook hangs the liner over the wall, instead of using a track. The top measurement is 3/16” and the hook extends down to a little less than 3/4”. The long side of the hook measures 1-1/2”. J-Hook, or Unibead pool liners allow more pool liner style choices, and also allow you to do away with liner coping strips.

You will need to order the proper wall height, to use a Unibead liner. With overlap liners, you can always pull the liner over the wall further, to prevent wrinkles. J-Hook liners have a fixed wall height and are not adjustable in this manner. To avoid problems, measure your wall height precisely, in several locations, from the flat floor, to the top of the pool wall.

Converting From Overlap to Beaded

Now that you have an understanding of the two different liner types, what happens if you have an overlap pool, but prefer the selection of beaded liner patterns? A simple conversion using In the Swim liner conversion strips. They come in 4’ sections. Order enough liner strips to encircle the entire pool perimeter. If you have a beaded liner, you cannot change it to an overlap style, only the other way around.

Next time we´ll talk about how to replace your above ground pool liner. Enjoy your new above ground pool liner!


By

5 Above Ground Pool Winter Cover Tips

November 8, 2024 | News | No Comments

Above ground pool covers face many challenges during the winter months. From heavy snow to strong winds, they are frequently at risk for damage. Properly installing an above ground pool cover is the first step to lowering the chance of it being ruined. Haphazardly placed covers are a sure-fire way to shorten the lifespan of the cover and possibly your pool.

Below we discuss five ways to make your above ground pool cover more effective, and keep your above ground pool safer during winter.

Winter Pool Cover Tip #1: Use Air Pillows

Above ground pool owners will be relieved to know that most of these tips involve very simple and affordable solutions, perfectly exemplified by air pillows. Winter cover air pillows are used to keep a solid ice sheet from forming on the surface of your pool water.

Place air pillows in the center of the pool, with the pool cover pulled tight over the pillow to press it into the water. Pool pillow pal is an inexpensive accessory to hold the air pillow in the center of the pool. Tip: Inflate your air pillows in seconds with a Shop Vac. Bonus Tip: Since water expands 9% when frozen, buy enough air pillows to cover about 10% of your pool surface area.

Winter Pool Cover Tip #2: Beware the Wind

Wind is possibly an above ground pool cover’s worst enemy. Above ground covers can be trashed if the wind gets under the edges and begins to whip and flap the cover.

Secure the winter cover cable tightly with the wench (included with all above ground winter pool covers). However, that’s not enough to stop strong wind. Some folks weigh down the cable with milk jugs or use our wall bags, which is fine for moderate winds.

The best options to keep out heavy winds are either cover seal or cover clips, both made for this purpose, with the added benefit of keeping your cover taut and smooth all winter. And there’s one more: the spider winter cover saver, five long bungee cords connected to a center hub that keeps your cover (and your air pillow) in place.

Winter Pool Cover Tip #3: Mind the Water Level

It’s important to keep an eye on your pool’s water level. If it drops more than an inch, it can stress the cover and the pool. If the pool loses 6-12″ of water, with rain water pooling on top of the cover, it will damage the cover and possibly the pool. Fix leaks before closing, or add water under the cover if needed.

It’s also important to mind the water level on top of your winter cover. A small bit (1/4″-1/2″) of rain water is OK, but more than that could stress the cover. And 6-12″ of water will push pool water over the edges, lowering pool water.

Pump regularly with a pool cover pump, like a manual or automatic cover pump or a non-electric cover-saver siphon pump.

Pump the water away from your pool, and don’t pump out pool water through holes in your winter cover! If the cover has small holes, place the pump far from the holes.

Winter Pool Cover Tip #4: Remove Leaves

Leaves on the pool cover can get really messy, really fast. Trying to remove leaves and sticks with a skimmer net or pool brush is not effective. Instead, use a pool leaf rake to scoop it off as it’s much more effective, but not easy, definitely not fun, and sharp sticks could damage a pool cover.

If your pool has large trees within 50 feet, take a look at our leaf nets for above ground pools. Place this over your pool cover when closing, and remove it after all the leaves have fallen.

Winter Pool Cover Tip #5: Check Cover Periodically

If you are like me, once you winterize, and you know you’ve done it right, you probably try not to think about your pool until the spring. I’ve learned that this is a huge mistake. Tending to your above ground pool is essentially a year round responsibility.

You can’t just set it and forget it. You will need to visit your pool cover regularly, not just for dewatering and dredging activities, but to tighten up the cover to pull out slack, correct wind gaps, and readjust the air pillow(s). It only takes a few moments a couple of times a month to run a quick check. The money you save via damage control is worth the effort.

Now You’re Ready to Close the Pool!

These above ground pool covering tips are affordable, simple, and do not require much of your time. As a pool owner, the cheapest, quickest path isn’t always the best path.

An above ground pool winter cover is an investment that protects a much larger investment: your pool! Spend a few extra bucks for a good cover, and spend time to do things right, along with the right winter cover accessories, and you can avoid mid-winter cover disasters!

In addition, check out our Above Ground Pool Winterization Hacks.


By

21 Swimming Pool Wall Mural Ideas

November 8, 2024 | News | No Comments

A swimming pool mural is a painted design inside of a pool, but a pool wall mural is outside of a pool, on an adjacent wall or fence. There’s amazing possibilities, as these 21 pool owners below demonstrate – and because pool wall or fence murals are not underwater, it’s easier, cheaper and lasts longer than pool murals.

Pool Wall Murals


These are great pool wall murals and pool fence mural ideas. You may have a muralist in your area who can help, just search online for a wall muralist near me, or visit findamuralist.com to get started!


By

10 Steps for Winterizing a Saltwater Pool

November 8, 2024 | News | No Comments

Never closed a saltwater swimming pool before? Not to worry! There are a few key differences compared to closing a regular chlorine pool, but it’s still a simple process that most pool owners can handle themselves. To prevent algae growth, surface stains, and expensive pool damage, we’ve broken down the process of winterizing a saltwater pool into 10 easy steps.

1. Do Not Add Salt

Water conductivity decreases as cooler weather sets in, which can cause a chlorine generator to indicate low salt levels. Many people see this and mistakenly add more salt to the pool, not realizing they may be overdosing the water. For the most accurate salinity reading in cool temperatures, use salt test strips or a digital salinity tester instead.

Maintain salt levels within the manufacturer’s recommended range at all times. However, when winterizing a saltwater pool, it’s best to leave salt levels a little on the low end of the scale. Salt can react with contaminants in the water and leave unsightly pool stains, so avoid adding extra salt to the pool in the weeks leading up to closing.

2. Balance the Water

In addition to checking salinity, test and balance other aspects of your water chemistry. One week before your closing date, make sure pH is 7.2–7.8, Total Alkalinity is between 80–120 ppm, and Calcium Hardness is between 200–400 ppm. Adjust as needed, and allow the water to circulate.

Saltwater is more likely to form mineral scale on pool surfaces if the pH, TA, and calcium levels are out of whack. Unbalanced water can decrease the effectiveness of your winter chemicals, so it’s extremely important to keep these numbers in check. If the calcium level is higher than 400 ppm, keep the pH under 7.6 to help prevent scale formation.

3. Clean the Pool

To avoid difficulties in the spring, get your pool as clean as possible before the cover goes on. Any dirt, debris or organic residue left behind can stain a pool over the winter. Thoroughly skim, brush, and vacuum the pool to remove as much debris as possible. Also clean out the skimmer. In the days leading up to pool closing, run the filter longer than normal to ensure the water stays as clean as possible.

A few days before closing, shock the pool to get rid of any lingering bacteria, algae spores and organic matter hanging out in the water. If you are using a pre-sized pool closing kit, it will come with the correct amount of granular shock needed for your pool.

4. Remove Equipment from the Pool

Diving boards, ladders, handrails, and slides should be removed for the winter. Some are set far enough back that they won’t interfere with the winter cover or safety cover, and can be left as is. If the deck mounting brackets are too close to the pool edge, remove to prevent stress and damage to your winter cover or safety cover. Also remove any toys, floats or pool cleaners when winterizing your saltwater pool.

5. Add Winter Chemicals

There are many types of pool closing kits available. Some are even specifically labeled “saltwater closing kits,” but the truth is that all winter kits are safe to use in saltwater swimming pools. Not only are pool closing kits extremely convenient, but they’re also a cost-effective way to purchase winterizing chemicals. Some kits even include a WinterPill for maximum winterizing power.

High chlorine can break down algaecide and damage a winter cover. Check water balance and chlorine levels one last time before adding your remaining winter chemicals. The pool should already be cleaned and shocked, and chlorine levels should be back in the normal 1–3 ppm range. When adding a stain and scale inhibitor, allow the pump and filter to run for at least 8–10 hours to fully disperse the chemical. Winter algaecide is usually one of the last things added before covering the pool, after the water has been lowered and the pool equipment has been disconnected. Waiting until the end keeps the algaecide more concentrated. If you want to add the algaecide later, agitate the water with a pool brush to help disperse it through the water.

6. Lower the Water Level

This step is optional for vinyl pools using a faceplate-type skimmer plug. If this is the case for your pool, continue to the next step — there’s no need to lower your water level. If you have a D.E. or sand filter, start this process by backwashing the filter to clear out dirt and debris from your filter, and start the cleaning process. While backwashing, be careful not to let the water level drop too much. Don’t allow the pump to run dry from lack of water in the skimmer — this can damage your pool pump! Finish lowering the water with a submersible pump, use the main drain, or siphon water from the pool.

Above ground pools should be drained a few inches below the skimmer. Inground pools with mesh covers will need to be about 12″ below the skimmer (to allow rain and snow to melt), and those with solid winter covers should be about 6″ below the skimmer. To prevent damage to your pool cover, the water should never be lower than 18″ from the pool ledge.

7. Winterize the Salt Generator

Remove the salt cell when winterizing your saltwater pool. Start by turning off all circuits to pool equipment, including the pool pump. Unscrew the unions to disconnect the generator cell from the pool lines. You can replace it with a temporary “dummy” cell to keep the line properly spaced and sealed through the winter.

Check for scaly deposits on the plates inside the salt cell, and clean it well with a high pressure hose. You can also use a plastic or wood tool to gently scrape away any scale buildup. NEVER use metal to scrape the generator plates, and don’t aggressively scrape at deposits. Doing so can damage the coating on the plates and shorten the lifespan of your generator cell. For particularly stubborn scale, you can use diluted muriatic acid to soak the cell. Once dry and clean, store it indoors. If it’s time to replace your salt cell, make a note to purchase one before spring opening.

8. Properly Drain and Clean All Equipment

Much like you did for the salt generator cell, you’ll also want to drain and clean all pool equipment – pool pump, filter, heater, additional sanitizers or chlorinators, solar covers, etc. The power circuits should be turned off before getting started on any electrical equipment. Remove all drain plugs from equipment, and keep them open to allow proper drainage. Store the drain plugs in a safe place; many pool owners like to keep them in the pump basket.

Remove the filter cartridge or filter grids from your cartridge or DE filter, and clean them thoroughly with a garden hose and/or soak them in a filter cleaning solution. While cleaning your pool equipment, this is the perfect time to lubricate the o-rings. This keeps them newer longer, and the lubricant will help prevent them from cracking over the winter. Lastly, use a shop vac, a small compressor or a blower to remove any remaining water from equipment. If possible, store pool equipment indoors, safe from harsh winter conditions.

9. Winterize Pool Lines and Skimmer

This is probably the most important step when winterizing a saltwater pool. Failure to properly winterize pool lines can cause cracked pipes and expensive underground repairs. First, remove the eyeball fittings from all return lines, and remove the skimmer basket. Then use a Cyclone blower or a small air compressor to force all water from the intake and return lines. Once the water has been cleared, plug the skimmer with a collapsible skimmer guard, and plug the return lines with threaded pool plugs or expansion plugs. Once the skimmer and returns are plugged, turn off the blower/air compressor.

Done properly, no water should enter the pool plumbing. Even so, non-toxic pool antifreeze is good insurance against damage in case of a faulty plug. It’s also good to use if you’re not certain the pool lines have been completely cleared. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for adding antifreeze to your pool lines. DO NOT leave antifreeze in pool equipment — it can gunk up filter media and damage o-rings and gaskets.

10. Add Cover to Pool

Before covering the pool, do one final skim to remove as much debris as possible. The cover should be clean and free of rips and tears. Holes can be patched with a safety cover patch or a winter cover patch. If an oil-absorbing sponge or WinterPill was included in your pool closing kit, toss them in the pool before the cover is installed.

For a solid winter cover, fill up the water weights around the perimeter of the pool to hold the cover securely in place. With a safety cover, bring the anchors to the surface of the pool deck and use the special installation tool to attach the cover straps to the anchors. For an above ground pool cover, use an air pillow underneath the cover to break up the ice, and use a cable and winch kit to secure it to the pool. Extras like cover clips or a winter cover seal will prevent wind from getting under and damaging an above ground pool cover.


Final Tips

Even though the pool is closed, there are still a few maintenance tips for keeping up with through the winter. These will ensure an easier spring opening and a lower risk of damage to your pool and cover.

  • Keep the cover clear of debris.
  • Use a pool cover pump to remove excess rain water and snow melt from the cover.
  • Check water chemistry every 6-8 weeks if possible.
  • Monitor the water level. Undetected leaks can wreak havoc on covers and pool walls.
  • Add chemicals as necessary. Warm, fluctuating temperatures evaporate algaecide and sanitizer quickly.
  • In the spring, use Salt Water Magic Monthly Maintenance to quickly get your pool back in top shape.


By

  9月24日,索菲亚中国文化中心与保加利亚儿童活动中心JoyLab合作,为十余名保加利亚小朋友带来了一场寓教于乐、妙趣横生的中秋文化特别活动。

 

  活动伊始,文化中心工作人员为孩子们介绍了中秋节的由来及其在中国文化中的重要意义,并讲述了嫦娥奔月的美丽传说。孩子们聚精会神,完全沉浸在故事中。随后,孩子们在工作人员的指导下进行了灯笼绘画活动。他们以充满想象力的笔触,画出了月亮、星空以及他们心中中秋节的美丽景象。孩子们还品尝了月饼和中国茶。对于大多数孩子来说,这是他们第一次“零距离”接触中国文化,更是一次难忘的体验。本次活动不仅让他们感受到了中国中秋节的独特氛围,也让他们增进了对中国文化的了解和喜爱。

 

  “流动文化小课堂”也是文化中心对外开展文化交流活动的一次新尝试,活动将保当地青少年视为重点群体,以“专题文化”的形式走进保加利亚本地教学机构,为孩子们讲述中国文化故事,推动不同文明交流互鉴。


责任编辑:耿孟冉

Keyword: 科仪

By

  9月21日,2024年“天涯共此时——中秋节”专场系列活动之“中秋诗会”在布达佩斯中国文化中心成功举办,以诗为媒、共话中秋。本场活动由布达佩斯中国文化中心和匈中友好协会联合主办,中国银行特别支持。活动邀请来自中国浙江音乐学院、匈中双语学校等机构的在校学生演出,诗人、文学翻译家图尔奇·伊什特万(Turczi István)及汉学家、文学翻译家、匈牙利—中国友好协会副主席余·巴塔·埃丽卡(Yu-Barta Erika)作为特邀嘉宾出席。

两位嘉宾现场交流

  浙江音乐学院的演奏者以一曲古琴独奏《良宵引》为此次诗会活动拉开序幕。历史悠久的中国传统古琴,音域宽广、音色深沉,令在场的匈牙利观众感受了中国民乐的与众不同。来自匈牙利多所学校的18位同学现场朗诵了包括《静夜思》《望月怀远》《我的思念是圆的》等在内的6首以月亮为主题的中国经典诗词,并演唱了本次活动的主题曲《明月几时有》。小演员们声情并茂的演出为中国诗词赋予了独特魅力,赢得了经久不息的掌声。

 

大合唱《明月几时有》

民乐表演

  与中国类似,匈牙利的诗人也创作了诸多描述秋天或月亮的诗歌,寄托了深刻的情感。现场小演员们对两国诗词歌赋进行了精彩的演绎,两位嘉宾伊什特和万埃丽卡就中匈两国这些诗词所营造的意境和饱含的情感进行了对比分析,让匈牙利观众们从自身文化角度切入,更好地理解和品味中国诗词的精髓。

 

诗歌朗诵表演

 

现场观众

  海上生明月,天涯共此时。中秋节是中华民族的传统佳节,不仅是团圆与和谐的象征,也是文化的传承、情感的寄托,参加活动的观众不仅聆听了美妙的诗歌朗诵,还品尝了象征团圆的月饼。最后,一首二胡古筝合奏的经典曲目《水调歌头》将现场气氛推向高潮,整场活动在悠扬的乐曲声中落下帷幕。

大合照


责任编辑:耿孟冉

Keyword: 美丽中华网

By

Former hooker Bernard Jackman insists that incoming Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber could help elevate the Irish side’s game next season.

Nienaber, who will lead South Africa into the 2023 Rugby World Cup, will join the Dublin-based outfit following the conclusion of the global tournament.

He replaces Stuart Lancaster, who has departed the province to take up a role with Racing 92.

Lack of silverware

Lancaster was highly-regarded within the Leinster set-up, but it ended in disappointment as the team once again failed to lift a trophy.

They have not claimed the Champions Cup since 2018, while they have gone two years without tasting domestic glory, but Jackman, who played for the side between 2005 and 2010, but believes that Nienaber could change that.

“Jacques Nienaber is one of the best defence coaches in the world and understands the Irish system but also the Irish players’ mentality having spent time in Munster with Rassie Erasmus,” he wrote in his column for the Irish Independent.

“He will add something new to the team on and off the field, and their defence can be better for sure.

“It rarely gets exposed, to be fair, but as teams look to copy others that have beaten them by keeping the ball, it’s important to be even more destructive in defence and to use it as a weapon.

“Nienaber’s system is high-risk, high-reward and he seems to have an exceptional ability to coach it. All the South African teams try and use a similar system, but no one implements it like he does.

“Nienaber’s defence works well in part because the overall game plan is very much aligned with defence.”

Leadership

Jackman also says that a lack of leadership in the absence of Johnny Sexton could have played a part in their loss to La Rochelle in the Champions Cup final.

“Johnny Sexton’s retirement will leave a massive void on the field but also off it,” he wrote.

“He was huge in the dressing room and a player and character like him is irreplaceable. The likes of James Ryan and Garry Ringrose will step up and do it their way, but Leinster are weaker without him.

“The lack of obvious leaders wasn’t something that jumped out at me when I looked at this Leinster squad even with Sexton injured, but I was interested to hear Dan Leavy say on a podcast a few weeks ago that a lot of the boys are very quiet on and off the field.

“Being quiet doesn’t make you a bad leader, but certainly the way the team reacted to pressure in the last four knock-out games is a concern.”

20-year-old attacking midfielder Chahreddine Boukholda is set to make the switch from AS Monaco to Lille, according to L’Équipe.

Boukholda, who began his youth career at Marseille, impressed Marcelo Bielsa during his stint at OM and the Argentinian looks set to link up with him again.

ASM have made Boukholda a 3-year professional contract offer, but he is set to decline it in favour of Lille.

Click Here: parramatta eels jersey

Celebrate Easter with Us

November 7, 2024 | News | No Comments

Easter is a major holiday in England and many other countries of the Christian faith. Easter in the spring echoes Christmas in the winter, which celebrates the birth of Jesus, and Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Both festivals are about 2,000 years old and remain the biggest festivals in the UK and other countries today, representing the faith and reverence for God in the hearts of the local people.

The Way Countries Celebrate Easter

Sweden: To the Swedes, Easter is not just the day of Jesus’ resurrection, but a sign of spring’s resurrection. After a long winter, the Swedes don’t care about the snow that still remains on the distant mountains, and happily hang colorful feathers and brightly colored eggs all around the city. The colorful feathers symbolize the growing chicks. Instead of flowers, they like to use colorful feathers to make Easter colorful. In addition to eggs and feathers, “witches” can be seen during Easter in Sweden. This custom is based on an old folklore: the week before Easter is the time when witches are at their most powerful, sitting on a broom with a kettle in front of them and a black cat behind them, flying up to the mountains in the dark to celebrate and dance with the elves. 

Italy: Easter Monday is known in Italy as “Pasquetta” (Little Easter). It is a good time to go out with family and friends, and there is a saying in Italy “Natale con i tuoi. Pasqua con chi vuoi.” which means “Christmas with your family, Easter with anyone you like. ” It is the most relaxing day, a good time for Italians to enjoy warmth and joy.

Germany: The government mandates a two-day break for Easter. During the holiday, families reunite, enjoy various traditional foods, and relatives and friends meet to congratulate each other. Eggs, fire, water and rabbits, which symbolize life, become the mascots of Easter. During Easter, parents prepare chocolate candies in the shape of eggs and rabbits for their children, and friends and relatives give each other colored eggs.

In the Bavarian region of Germany, a torch race is held every Easter to celebrate the rebirth of Jesus.

United Kingdom: On Easter day, bakeries sell hot cross buns to commemorate Jesus; an Easter costume parade is also held every year, during which there are national-style bagpipe bands, children equipped with the Queen Victoria era Palace Guard and so on.
Most of the Easter eggs in Britain are made of real eggs. Brightly colored and various designs are painted on top of the boiled eggs, and with the development of society, chocolate eggs are now also popular.
In addition, the British people also play an old and traditional game of “egg rolling” on Easter Day: each participant chooses an egg of his or her own and rolls it down the hill, with the winning principle being that the egg does not break when it reaches the bottom of the hill. To this day, there are still many places where this traditional old game is still played. 

United States: When Easter approaches, the windows of candy stores will be filled with beautiful eggs. There are also a variety of small gifts for children to attract them. They are decorated with stuffed wool chicks, whose beaks and feet are glued to cards. Lucky children may get several such gifts from friends and relatives.

On Easter Day, candles are lit in front of the church as a sign of sanctification, and are welcomed into thousands of homes. The children’s greatest joy on this day is to bring the sacred fire to their homes. They light the branches in front of the church and then run around to deliver them to each house in a joyful and festive atmosphere.

What other interesting Easter customs do you know? Follow Naenka’s Instagram and share them with us!

By