Easter

Easter History

Easter, also known as Ostern in Germany, serves to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It notably punctuates the end of the Lenten Season, a 40-day period of fasting and reflection on Christ's sacrifices. From religious services to unique cultural practices, Easter is marked by an array of distinguishing elements — the shared theme among these, however, is often one of renewal and rebirth.

Tracing its roots back to the early Middle Ages, the celebration of Easter in Germany has long-held historic significance that intertwines with its Christian and pre-Christian traditions. The term Easter itself supposedly derived from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre, representing spring and fertility. Over centuries, Easter practices in Germany have evolved to incorporate particular symbols such as the Easter Bunny to represent the arrival of new life and the Easter Egg symbolizing rebirth and joy.

Today, the German observance of Easter combines both religious and secular traditions. Churches hold special services, while families attend Passion Plays, dramatic portrayals of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Additionally, public areas are adorned with beautifully decorated Easter trees, known as Osterbaum. Easter egg hunts are a favored activity among children. The exact date of Easter, based on lunar cycles, varies each year. It typically falls between March 22 and April 25, with Good Friday marking the beginning of the long Easter weekend in Germany.

Facts about Easter

• For many Christian congregations, the first Easter service for the year is the Service of Light. The worship typically starts in darkness on the preceding Saturday night or early Sunday morning. Light is brought into the church with candles to signify hope based on the resurrection. The service culminates with the lighting of a paschal candle, signifying Christ.
• Easter eggs represent new life and also symbolize the shape of Jesus' tomb.
• Germans are believed to be the ones to have first introduced the Easter Bunny as a symbol. In Germany, it is said that the “Osterhase” or Easter Hare, brings Easter eggs for children.
• In the town of Bautzen in Saxony region, there is a century’s old tradition of an Easter horse procession on Easter Sunday, dating back to 1541. The riders, wearing tails and top hats, carry religious flags and banners.

In the News and Trending in Germany for Easter

Top things to do in Germany for Easter

• Go to a children's Easter egg hunt or hold one of your own. Many churches have them the Saturday before Easter too.
• Cook an Easter dinner for family and friends. Traditional entrees include lamb or ham. During Lent (period leading up to Easter), many Roman Catholics exclude meat from their diet, so Easter is often indulgent on meat.
• Visit the Easter Markets: Much like Germany’s famous Christmas markets, Easter markets are common in various cities. Here you can buy beautifully decorated Easter eggs, Easter decorations, and traditional German Easter treats. The Dresden Easter Market is one of the oldest and most famous.
• Participate in Egg races and Egg hunts: The egg race is a traditional Easter game where children roll painted eggs down a hill. The Egg hunt is equally popular where eggs are hidden by the Easter bunny and children waits eagerly the Easter Sunday to find them