Frohe Ostern

 

Easter in Germany is a holiday in which Christian belief, ancient myth, superstitions and folk traditions have combined to form a unique occasion - not unlike the German celebration of Fasching.

Ending a long period of repentance and fasting, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. At the same time, Easter markets and other events celebrate the return of spring and hopes for a glorious summer.

The symbolism of the egg, which is part of nearly all Easter customs, goes back to the roots of rural springtime traditions.

Easter is celebrated with the first full moon after the first day of spring, and in the old days this was a fixed date for all kinds of money transfers, such as payment of wages or interest due. A certain share of the rent due to the landlord would be made in eggs.

It seems that over the centuries the giving away of eggs came to be associated with the joy of spring, and today cannot be separated from Easter customs. Many Easter decorations feature the theme of the egg.

Ever since the 18th century, eggs have been joined by the Easter bunny, and the hunt for colored eggs and nests filled with sweets and small presents is the traditional beginning of Easter Sunday morning. Though usually celebrated outside in the green, if the weather doesn’t permit, Easter egg hunts are also held indoors in Europe.

At Easter markets all over Germany visitors can admire the most intriguing methods for coloring and decorating Easter eggs. There is hardly a region in Europe not boasting a special way of doing it.

Many communities also have their own tradition of displaying colored eggs. Typically, visitors will find trees near the town halls or public fountains decorated with hundreds of eggs.

Superstitious elements of Easter traditions become obvious in the custom of Easter bonfires which are started just at nightfall on Easter Saturday in some parts of Germany. Traveling through the northern countryside one may see huge fires on all surrounding hills. They are intended to burn for good all harmful spirits which are threatening the transition from winter to spring.

Dining on Easter lamb is common in Germany during Easter. Special baked items are also a part of the Easter celebration and can be found in many bakeries and homes.

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