Though Easter has the same meaning in Greek Orthodox church as it does in Catholicism, some of the traditions are a bit different. Being the most important holiday in the church, we take all these traditions very seriously.

1. Red eggs.

No pastels here. Greeks dye eggs red to symbolize the life and blood of Christ.

2. Lamb (on a spit, if you're really authentic).

Though not every Greek family has the space to actually do this, those that do don't hesitate to follow in this tradition.

3. Food!

Holidays usually involve a lot of food, but Greek Easter takes it to a whole new level. There's enough food to feed an army. No picky eaters allowed.

4. Easter bread.

Tsoureki is a staple in every Greek home during Easter. It's sweet and delicious. Everyone has to have at least one bite.

5. The Good Friday procession.

Good Friday mass is a funeral procession for Christ. Everyone has a candle to hold as they walk through the neighborhood, led by the priest and those carrying the epitaphio (holding the body of Christ). When the procession returns to the church, people walk underneath it.

6. "Xristos anesti!"/"Alithos anesti!"

This Easter greeting is used all Sunday, and usually for a few days after the holiday. "Xristos anesti" means "Christ has risen;" the response "alithos anesti" means "He has truly risen."

7. Following a different calendar.

Orthodox holidays follow the Julian calendar, rather than the Gregorian one. Sometimes they do align and both Easters fall on the same Sunday (causing more than a little panic if you're a family who celebrates both, like mine).

8. Cracking your egg against someone else's.

9. Easter Sunday liturgy.

An Easter mass is special no matter what church you're a part of, but it's the traditions that make Greek Easter Sunday so special.