Easter traditions in Germany

Easter Sunday is called Ostersonntag, while Easter Monday is called Ostermontag.

 

In Germany the Easter traditions (die Ostertraditionen) are similar to any other Christian countries. These traditions include painting eggs (die Ostereier bemalen), lighting fires and hunting Easter eggs (die Ostereier jagen). 

 

In Germany trees or flower bouquets (die Bouquets) are decorated with painted Easter eggs. The egg is the symbol of a new life (das neue Leben). In Upper Lusatia men ride through the Sorbian communities on horses (die Pferde). In Hamburg it's a custom to light four large Easter bonfires (das Osterfeuer) on the banks of the Elbe River. Both traditions symbolize the resurrection of Christ (das Wiedererwachen). Another custom from Lüdge (North Rhine-Westphalia) with pagan origin is to send burning wooden wheels (die Holzräder) down a hill to welcome the spring.

 

 

Original photo: Pexels.com

Germans often eat cakes shaped in the form of a lamb (das Osterlammkuchen) at Easter. Apart from that all sorts of cheese, ham and eggs along with braided sweetbread are eaten for the typical Easter breakfast (das Osterfrühstück). 

For many Germans a walk (der Spaziergang) in the village, town or near the river is a must on Easter which was mainly inspired by Geothe's poem, the so-called "The Easter Walk".

 

 

 

Sources:
https://www.dw.com/en/easter-traditions-in-germany/g-48302741
https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-best-loved-easter-traditions/g-57061398
https://germangirlinamerica.com/german-easter-breakfast-the-best-german-breakfast-of-the-year/