In Germany, as in the whole Christian world, one of the most important holidays is Easter. The basic customs of celebrations in this country are respected, but there are also special traditions. This day is called "ostern" in German, which means "east". After all, the side of the world, where the sun rises, was considered by Christians as the symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
When is Easter celebrated in Germany?
Like all Catholics, German-speaking countries count the date of the holiday according to the Gregorian calendar. Often it differs from the date of Orthodox Easter for 2-3 weeks. Usually Catholics celebrate it before.
How to celebrate Easter in Germany?
For many people now, this holiday has lost its symbolic meaning, like the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. For them it's a vacation time in school, a long weekend and the opportunity to relax with the family in nature and have fun. What are the features of Catholic Easter in Germany?
- the celebration begins on Friday. This day, like the four following is the official weekend for everyone. It is also called "a quiet Friday", as it was on Friday that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ took place. In the temples there are funeral Masses.
- in the evening on Easter Saturday great bonfires, symbolizing the end of winter, are lit. It is believed that all negative feelings are burned in this fire;
- on the Bright Sunday of Christ, all the inhabitants of Germany gather for a festive family breakfast. And after it, the children are looking for painted eggs and small gifts, which parents hid the day before;
- the main festive dish in Germany is the fish. Dessert is served with chocolate biscuits and tea;
- Daffodils are one of the symbols of Easter in Germany. Necessarily in each house on the table should be a bouquet of these flowers;
- another traditional element of this holiday is the Easter wreath of flowers and freshly blown branches. They are consecrated in the temple and decorated at home;
- of course, for Easter in Germany, too, it is customary to give painted eggs. But they mostly do not paint themselves, but buy already finished;
- the main symbol of this holiday, as in all Catholic countries, in Germany is the Easter rabbit.
It can be found in the form of chocolate figurines, rolls and biscuits, soft toys and drawings on postcards and napkins; - in Germany it is not customary to say "Christ is risen!" on that day. There they greet each other with the words "Merry Easter".
In all countries this holiday is not only a day of resurrection of Jesus Christ, but also a symbol of the coming of spring and the revival of nature after winter sleep. And Germany is no exception. People decorate the blossoming trees with ribbons, give each other flowers and have fun, meeting the spring.