Easter

Easter History

Easter, also known as Pasen, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This observance also serves as a culmination of the Passion of Jesus, proceeded by the period of fasting, prayer, and penance known as Lent. These forty days of solemn religious observances offer an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the hope of new life that his resurrection symbolizes. This significant milestone in the Christian calendar carries profound religious and spiritual significance, fostering feelings of renewal, hope, and redemption.

Easter has been observed by Christians in the Netherlands for centuries. In the predominantly Christian nation, the event holds both religious and cultural significance. Easter was introduced to the Dutch by the Romans, who, after their conquest, spread Christianity throughout the region. Over the centuries, Easter has remained a key part of Dutch religious life, with various symbols like the rooster (symbolizing vigilance and the resurrection) and the egg (signifying the start of a new life) integrated into its celebration.

In the Netherlands, Easter is observed with a combination of religious traditions and local customs. Special church services, music concerts, and processions are commonly held. The Dutch also hold the unique custom of Easter fires, lighting huge bonfires on Easter Sunday evening, a tradition rooted in pagan rituals intended to chase away the spirits of winter and welcome spring. There's also the Easter breakfast or brunch that is a central part of Dutch Easter celebration. As for the date, similar to most Christian countries, Easter Sunday and Monday are public holidays in the Netherlands, and these dates vary yearly, but always fall on a Sunday and Monday, following the cycle of the moon and typically occurring anytime between March 22 and April 25.

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.
• Flower parades known as 'Bloemencorso' are a popular Easter tradition in regions like Bollenstreek and Noordwijk, which are known for their bulb-growing areas. The parades typically feature dozens of floats and vehicles decorated with flowers, often with a particular theme.
• The Dutch have a unique tradition known as 'Easter Fires.' The tradition has its roots in Pagan times when the Germanic tribes lit these fires to celebrate the spring season. The large bonfires are gathered over weeks and then lit on Easter Sunday after dark.

In the News and Trending in Netherlands for Easter

Top things to do in Netherlands 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 Keukenhof Gardens: The Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse is one of the most popular Easter destinations in the Netherlands. During the Easter holidays, the garden is beautifully decorated with a variety of spring flowers, including millions of tulips
• Prepare traditional meals for Easter, such as:
  1) Lamsvlees: Roasted lamb is often prepared as the main course for the Easter meal in the Netherlands.
  2) Aspergesoep: Asparagus soup is often enjoyed around Easter, particularly due to the fact that asparagus season in the Netherlands begins in April.
  3) Eierkoeken: These are sweet, airy cakes baked in the shape of eggs. It's a perfect treat for Easter.