Easter is an important family holiday in Germany. At that time, children look for Easter treats, families go for walks together, and on Easter Sunday they enjoy a hearty breakfast with their relatives. But where do German Easter customs actually come from, and what unusual and unique Easter customs can be found in different German regions?
The origin and meaning of Easter
Easter is the oldest Christian and most important church holiday. Christians have been commemorating Christ's death and resurrection at this time since the second century. German name for Easter, "Oster", most likely comes from the Old Germanic word "Eastron", which can be roughly translated as "morning dawn".
Easter customs
On Holy Sunday children are looking for pyres, which the Easter Bunny has placed in hidden places for them. The Easter rabbit is also a symbol of fertility and the origin of life, in addition to pyres. Easter is also the festival of spring, and the rabbit is its messenger. The rabbit was first mentioned in connection with Easter eggs in 1682. It is interesting that in some regions of Germany, foxes, roosters or cuckoos also brought Easter eggs for a long time.
Z Easter fire they are supposed to ward off the evil spirits of winter and welcome spring - this is a pagan ritual that dates back to the Middle Ages. People pile wood and dried bushes as high as possible, and then - depending on the region - light it on Holy Saturday or Holy Sunday evening. Families then often sit by the fire late into the night and enjoy the warmth of the fire and the magical atmosphere.
Easter cuisine
Easter culinary specialties include: the paschal lamb – either real or as a pastry –, Easter braid made of leavened dough, decorated with colorful pies, and on Good Friday, fish. Easter also heralds the end of Lent, so Germans traditionally eat a hearty Easter breakfast on Holy Sunday.
Unusual Easter customs
In addition to the classic Easter traditions that are widespread throughout Germany, there are also some unusual customs found only in certain German regions. An exciting version of the Easter bonfire found in Hessen, as well as in some regions of eastern Germany, are Easter wheels (Osterräder). Tradition says that straw-filled wheels are lit and rolled down the hill.
In Upper Lusatia and in some local communities in Bavaria, they organize on Holy Sunday Easter procession of horses (Osterritt). The men put on tailcoats and top hats and ride off on ceremonially groomed horses along a predetermined route, proclaiming the resurrection of Christ.
Tradition Easter decorations of fountains it originates from Franconian Switzerland in Upper Bavaria and is only found in Bavaria. For more than a hundred years, local residents have colorfully decorated numerous wells and fountains for Easter. The decoration includes thousands of colorfully painted eggshells, flowers and garlands.
A lot of fun, joy and joy in coloring pirchs. The German Tourist Board wishes you many feasts and a happy Easter.
