What do the ice bucket challenge, cavorting with the devil, murder, and a burning effigy of Judas have in common? Easter! In this fortnight's episode I am counting down 10 of the world's most unusual Easter traditions. Some are weird, some are wonderful, and some will leave you asking your self what could they possibly be thinking.

Show Notes:

Here are photos or videos of the traditions mentioned in the show.

France: Easter Bells

Une vidéo simple pour expliquer d'où viennent les oeufs de Pâques en France. In Frankreich kommen an Ostern die Glocken und bringen die Ostereier - ein einfaches Video, das die Legende für Kinder erklärt. In France at Easter it's the bells that bring the Easter eggs back from Rome - watch this simple video to learn about the legend of the "cloches de Pâques".

Sweden: Easter Witch

How do Swedes celebrate Easter? What do Swedes do and eat around Easter? Learn Swedish words about Easter.

Norway: Murder Mystery

USA: Egg Knocking

Czech Republic and Slovakia: Whipping

Young men in the Czech village of Vlcnov took part in an ancient Easter fertility rite on Monday, wearing traditional dress and symbolically 'whipping' local girls with birch branches. The ritual, known as "mrskacka" in the Czech Republic, dates back to the Middle Ages.

Poland: Dyngas Day (Wet Monday)

This sleepy village in southern Poland became a lot less sleepy on Monday. That's because dozens of men in Wilamowice, took part in the traditional Easter celebration of Smigus-Dyngus, or "Wet Monday". The festivity not only involves dressing up in traditional garb and gathering with family and friends, but also drenching young girls and women with water, as part of a pagan ritual dating back some 1,000 years.

Italy: The Explosion of the Cart

If you want to attend the crazy extravagant Easter celebration known as Scoppio del Carro, or Explosion of the Cart, this video shows you exactly what you have to do, from the time to arrive to the full experience. It's exciting and energizing. An absolute must-see event.

Greece:

Pot Throwing:

Locals of Corfu throwing pots from balconies

Giant Bonfire:

greek easter celebration (27 of April, 2008)

Rocket War:

In a bizarre but long-cherished local tradition, two Orthodox churches in the town of Vrodandos fire rockets at each other's churches - while services are held. The objective is to hit the other church's bell, but many rockets go astray, causing locals to rush frantically for cover.

Spain: Easter Procession

(no, they are not associated with the Klan)

Nazarenos or penitents march with musicians and church members along the streets of Seville with their religious icons at 1 a.m. as part of the Semana Santa Easter celebrations. To see more photos go to http://goo.gl/bn2HCn

Philippians: Crucification

A Filipino man subjects himself to an actual crucifixion every year, as an oath to God. ➡ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe About National Geographic: National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.