Easter in Germany
German Easter Traditions Germany gets ready for a new season: You will see spring flowers on display and many traditional "Easter trees", twigs and brushes dripping with colorfully decorated eggs. The custom of boiling and painting eggs, the symbols of new life, began in Germany; the bright colors represent sunlight and growth.
Colored Eggs and Chocolate Bunnies Next to the Easter egg, the rabbit is probably the most popular Easter icon; the Easter bunny, symbolizing fertility, was first mentioned in German writings in the 16th century. The bunny was then imported to America by Pennsylvania Dutch settlers, who called it "Oschter Haws" ("Easter Hare"). Around 1800, the first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany.
Easter in Germany Germans enjoy a very long Easter weekend: Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays German schools are closed for Easter holidays (usually two weeks around the Easter weekend)
Celebrating Easter in Germany If you spend the Easter weekend in Germany, memorize these two words: Frohe Ostern - Happy Easter!
Good Friday: The Easter weekend in Germany begins with a quiet Good Friday. Many families eat fish as their traditional Good Friday lunch.
Easter Saturday: Easter Saturday is a great day to visit an open-air Easter market, where you can browse for artistically handcrafted Easter eggs, carved Easter decoration. Stop by a German bakery for a special Easter treat: a sweet cake in the shape of a lamb.
Easter Sunday: Easter Sunday is the highlight of the holiday weekend. In the early morning, parents hide baskets filled with colored, hardboiled eggs, chocolate bunnies, sweets, and little presents for the kids.