This year, Easter or, as Germans say, “Ostern,” is celebrated April 8. During Easter, Christianity celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The festivities traditionally start with Good Friday, one of the most highly observed Christian holidays where people commemorate his crucifixion. Good Friday also marks the last day of the holy week and the end of the 40-daylong fastening period that
started on Ash Wednesday. In Germany, Easter is celebrated for four days: Good Friday, when Jesus was crucified, Easter Saturday, when Jesus was entombed, Easter Sunday, when Jesus rose from the dead and Easter Monday, a federal holiday. Some believe the word “Easter” refers to the direction of sunrise. Reflecting on the Christian tradition, the rising sun is a symbol for the resurrection and the homecoming of Jesus Christ. Easter also marks the beginning of
spring, a season that cherishes rebirth, renewal and growth. Germans like to ring in spring by filling their homes with fresh flowers and other Easter decorations.
“During this time of the year, people prefer multicolored flowers like tulips, daffodils and violets. The mix of strong colors such as yellow, orange, pink or purple symbolizes prosperity,” said Lena Gschwind, a florist from Esslingen. “Most people prefer to decorate their homes with these flowers to prepare for the Easter festivities or simply to add a little happiness to their lives after the long and gray winter months,” she said. Other typical Easter decorations include painted eggs, hens, rabbits and chickens. The tradition of artfully painting eggs dates back to the ancient world. Inspirations came from Greece, Italy, Russia and Armenia.
Then, during the 13th century, the first painted Easter egg was mentioned
in an official document in Germany, where it also became a symbol for fertility. The colors of the eggs have specific meanings. For example, red symbolizes Jesus’ sacrifice, yellow is enlightenment and wisdom, green means youth and innocence, and orange stands for strength, resiliency and ambition. “During Easter, people like to decorate birch tree and pussy willow branches with traditionally painted
eggs,” said Gschwind. “Other decorations include Easter nests that are made out of branches and moss and are typically filled with eggs, wooden bunnies or chickens.” Painted eggs are also used throughout Germany to add grace to “Easter fountains,” a tradition that originated in Franconia. To this day, fountains in smaller towns and villages are decorated with eggs, multicolored ribbons, wreaths, tulips and daffodils. In Germany, Easter Sunday is traditionally celebrated with close family.
Often times, the festive day starts with an Easter brunch and is followed by an
Easter egg and nest hunt in the garden or out in the woods. Much like in the U.S., children search for their Easter nests, which are filled with chocolate eggs and bunnies or other smaller presents and candy. “I remember my parents telling me that the Easter bunny made the nests with the painted eggs especially for me and my sister and then dropped it all off in our garden,” said Gschwind, reflecting on her childhood memories. Another tradition during Easter Sunday is to serve baked goods such as sweet cake shaped in the form of an Easter lamb — a symbol for resurrection — shortbread cookies and Easter bread and rings with almonds
or sesame seeds during breakfast or afternoon tea. Whether you’re German or American, Easter is a time for families and friends to celebrate traditions, regional
customs, values, and the arrival of spring and its new beginnings.

Published April 5, 2012