On April 16, 2.4 billion Christians will celebrate, Easter, one of their most holy holidays. Members of all the major branches—Catholicism, Protestantism and Eastern Orthodox—celebrate the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ into Heaven.

The Sunday celebration is the culmination of the Holy Week, which commemorates Jesus’ final days on Earth. Christians undergo various rituals, like reenacting his crucifixion and holding special masses. These traditions vary across the world.

One of the most popular gatherings of Catholics will be those attending  the Vatican City mass. From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis II will deliver an “Urbi et Orbi” blessing for “Rome and the world.” This speech usually addresses the pope’s concerns for Christians everywhere.

Protestants often have more subdued traditions. But in Northern Europe, many people integrate pre-Christian pagan rituals with Easter. The day coincides with celebrations around big “Easter Fires,” which according to legend drive away winter and usher in spring.  

Among Orthodox Christians, Easter is the most holy of days. The tradition of painting eggs comes from Orthodox ritual. Easter eggs are dyed red to symbolize the blood of Christ. The egg’s hard shell represents the tomb in which Jesus was sealed. Cracking that shell represents the resurrection.

Perhaps one of the most striking displays of devoutness can be found in the Philippines where some people whip themselves and are literally crucified, or in other words, nailed to a cross. This pain and suffering is seen as the ultimate demonstration of piety and sacrifice. However, such rituals have been criticized by local religious leaders.

“Forgiveness does not mean you hurt yourself, because your body is a temple that houses the spirit,” said Archbishop Aniceto Paciano of San Fernando.