Things You'll Only See In The South On Easter Sunday

Big hats and packed pews are just the beginning.

Easter is a time of both reflection and joy, and Southerners like to celebrate the day with passed-down traditions shared with loved ones—as well as plenty of deviled eggs to boot. Easter Sunday is undeniably busy, from the before-church morning rush until the post-lunch naps, with many egg hunts and church services and smocked dress sightings in between. However, Southern folks try not to get too swept up in the schedule to forget about what makes Easter special, which is perhaps why so many prefer to enjoy it the same way, with the same people, year after year. In that spirit, you'll likely recognize certain calling cards of a Southern Easter Sunday, and we're not just talking about the packed pews and big hats.

These are the things you'll only see in the South on Easter.

Our Sunday Very Best

We’re talking about pastels, dotted Swiss, church hats, and patent shoes. The tradition of getting new Easter clothes each year is something that is started when many Southerners’ are young, kept going even as we get older, and passed down to future generations.

Some Southern clothing items you'll find in droves on Easter Sunday? Church hats that could hold their own at the Kentucky Derby. Little ones in smocked dresses and onesies. Little ones tugging at their first seersucker bowties. Plenty of eyelet and patent leather shoes. Babies in bonnets. Pearls dripping from head to toe. Even the occasional set of white gloves! And finally, families wearing their new Easter outfits, posing for portraits in front of azalea bushes.

Related: Why Southern Women Buy Easter Dresses

A Sunday Go To Meetin'

An old-school Southern term for the event of meeting up at church each week, a "Sunday Go To Meetin'" is practically the definition of Easter Sunday. Consider it the Super Bowl for church ladies. The parking lots will be packed, congregations hitting the high notes on demanding Easter hymns, and churchgoers frantically searching for their Easter offering. All of these church-based festivities are capped off with a group reception and an egg hunt for the young ones. It's not a "Sunday Go To Meetin'" without a bowl of Easter Punch.

"Weird" Southern Easter Dishes

Amongst the familiar dishes you might expect at a Southern Easter meal, such as glazed ham and mac-and-cheese, there are plenty of unexpected and unusual-sounding dishes that are just as beloved—many of which are served by families every Easter. We're talking about mayonnaise-based salads that don't include anything green, creamy casseroles that contain surprise ingredients, and even some recipes that wiggle and jiggle. Deviled eggs are a must, and Hummingbird Cake is always welcome on the dessert table. However, dishes like Nana's Lime Delight and Pear Salad tend to stir up a bit more nostalgia.

Related: 17 Hilariously "Weird" Easter Dishes That Southerners Serve Every Year

Deviled Egg Supremacy

Speaking of deviled eggs, there are many variations that have made appearances on the sideboard. Southerners have mastered deviled eggs, and we're not afraid to show it. In fact, we have 24 Deviled Egg Recipes That Are Sure To Delight. Expect toppings that range from bacon to pickles, and even a deep-fried rendition.

Multiple Egg Hunts

You'll have the church Easter egg hunt, the post-lunch egg hunt when cousins compete, and even the overly competitive adult egg hunt after the kids are happy and candy-filled. Many Southern families still keep it old-school with boiled eggs in lieu of plastic, though there may still be a few plastic eggs with candy or cash inside. Moreover, after the kids' race is done, an adults-only egg hunt is sure to fire up old rivalries and tap into Southerners' inherent competitiveness. We don't shy away from competing like we're in the SEC Championship for egg hunting.

Pineapple Casserole Debates

Don't knock it until you try this retro Southern Easter dish. While most families are happy to see this each year, and require multiple casserole dishes due to popularity, there are always the outliers who refuse to try it or never grow to love it. This inevitably leads to many debates on whether or not pineapple casserole is the best thing ever, or the oddest thing ever.

Monogrammed Baskets

We all have memories of pastel Easter baskets (complete with cellophane wrapping) that end up stuffed to the brim and destroyed before church even starts. Expect plenty of Peeps, chocolate bunnies, and niche Southern treats like pralines, or even a meaningful gift to commemorate the reason for the season. We're also known for find a way to monogram our Easter baskets, so no one is left confused after the egg hunt.

Real Chicks

Forget Peeps—some Southerners might receive actual baby chicks in their baskets. Since many families once grew up on farms, it was completely normal to add to the coop and delight the kids at the same time. However, only those with proper accommodations should keep this tradition alive!

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Read the original article on Southern Living.