Easter-Ostern

Easter traditions in Germany are similar to those found in other predominantly Christian countries, from the religious commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to the ever so popular Osterhase. See below for a closer look at some of Germany's customs of rebirth and renewal.

Easter Bread- Osterbrot

Yes, there is an Easter bread. It is a custom that is still alive and well in Germany. In Germany the traditional bake day for this bread is on Easter Sunday. It is made with sweet yeast dough and is symbolic for ‘breaking’ the Lenten fast on Easter. The traditional form of this bread is round symbolizing Jesus as the light of the world, however, it may also be braided in which case it is called Osterzopf. This too is symbolic. The braids are three symbolizing the father, son and Holy Ghost. It may be made as a wreath form which is called Osterkranz. It is often decorated with the symbol of the cross, symbolizing the sacrifice Jesus made for us all. There are several good recipes on the Internet for Osterbrot.

Easter Bonfires

Many people gather around large bonfires reaching several meters high on the eve of Easter Sunday. Often the wood of old Christmas trees is used for this occasion.
This German custom is actually an old pagan ritual dating back to before Christ to symbolize the coming of spring. Back then it was believed that any home or field shone upon by the light of the fire would be protected from sickness and misfortune.

Easter City- Ostereistedt

The town of Ostereistedt, literally "Easter egg town", in the northern state of Lower Saxony has made a tradition out of its name: Legend has it that an Easter bunny called "Hanni Hase" lives here. Thousands of children write letters to him with their wishes very year. The replies are dealt with by an official at the German Post Office.

Bunny Rabbit-Der Osterhase & Other Egg Deliverers

This hopping Easter creature is believed to originate from Germany. The first known account of der Osterhase is found in the 1684 notes of a Heidelberg professor of medicine, where he discusses the ill-effects of overeating Easter eggs. German and Dutch settlers later brought the notion of der Osterhase or Oschter Haws (dutch) to the U.S. in the 1700's. In some parts of Germany and Switzerland, children wait for der Osterfuchs instead. Children would hunt for his yellow Fuchseier on Easter morning, which were dyed with yellow onion skins. Other Easter egg deliverers in German-speaking countries included, the Easter rooster (Saxony), the stork (Thuringia) and the Easter chick. Unfortunately in the past several decades these animals have found themselves with continual less delivery jobs as der Osterhase has gained more wide-spread fame.

Coloring Easter Eggs:
Dipping and painting eggs in Germany is an age old tradition. Here many use pre-packaged dyes and paints. The eggs are found in Easter baskets, used for egg rolling, egg picking and especially egg eating. The oldest decorated egg dates back to the 4th century. Those in Germany also paint or color the eggs. The eggs of course are symbols for purity and new beginnings.

My family also paints hollow eggs. This is done by putting pinholes in the eggs and blowing out the contents of the egg. They are then colored and can be saved and hung on your Easter tree.

Will You Color Easter Eggs?
Painting hard-boiled eggs is an old tradition. Some countries including a few of the ethnic groups of East Germany, the painting of Easter eggs has become an art form. The eggs are colored brightly reminding us of spring flowers and new beginnings that come with Spring. Some of the colors have special meanings:

· Red-the sacrifice of Christ

· Green-innocence

· Yellow-for the desire of wisdom

· White-purity

Today painting, hiding and hunting for eggs is a delight for all of us. What else do you do with your eggs?

Easter Egg Hunt:

In most German families as well as here in the US, the Easter bunny and Easter eggs are an integral part of the celebration of Easter. The bunny traditionally hides the eggs in the garden and the children swarm out to find them. A wonderful tradition and the children absolutely love it!

Egg Tapping: (Eiertippen)

One of my fondest memories at Easter as a child was Eiertippen, which we called ‘picking’. You and a friend would tap eggs tip to tip and then butt to butt. The first to crack at both ends was the loser and the winner would get their egg. Years later, I learned a little vegetable oil did magic for not only making the eggs shine, but making them pretty tough.

Eier Trüllen:

In the northern region of East Freesia the Easter eggs are rolled or thrown from hills and the slopes of dykes, or else knocked together. The low German term for the pastime is Eier trüllen. Children love to compete against each other, letting their eggs run down sandy hillocks - the winner is the one whose egg arrives at the bottom in one piece. It is found in other games such as Ostereierschieben and Eierschibbeln.

Easter Tree-Der Osterbaum

It's only in recent years that I've seen miniature Easter trees being sold in North America. This Easter tradition from Germany is probably my favorite. Beautifully decorated Easter eggs are hung on branches in a vase in the home or on trees outside adding a splash of color to spring's palette.

Fetching Water-Osterwasser

The Legend of the Osterwasser: This is done in parts of Pomerania. An extremely unusual Easter customer is being sent to fetch Easter water very early on Easter morning. According to local myth, such water has magical qualities and promotes both health and beauty. It is usually collected by an unmarried girl. This only applies if liquid is taken from a body of flowing water and is brought straight into the home and the bringer is not even allowed to talk while doing so.

Easter Market-Der Ostermarkt

Just like Germany's wonderful Weihnachtsmärkte, its Ostermärkte also can't be beat. A stroll through a German Easter market will tantalize your tastebuds and delight your eyes as artisans, artists and chocolatiers showcase their Easter art and treats

The Easter Wheel-Das Osterrad

This custom is practiced in a few regions in northern Germany. For this tradition, hay is stuffed into a large wooden wheel, then lighted and rolled down a hill at nighttime. A long wooden pole pulled through the wheel's axle helps it keep its balance. If the wheel reaches all the way to the bottom intact, then a good harvest is predicted. The city of Lügde in Weserbergland prides itself as being the Osterradstadt, since it has followed this tradition yearly for over a thousand years.

Palm Sunday-Palmsonntag

Palmsonntag or Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' entry on a donkey into the city of Jerusalem. The people were cheering and welcoming him with palm leaves in contrast to the crowds on Good Friday. It is the sixth Sunday of Lent and traditionally starts the Karwoche or Holy Week which ends with Easter Sunday. Today, in Germany the people carry Palmbuschen and Palmstangen. They are blessed and after the processions are placed in their homes with the crucifix. Farmers place their sticks in the fields.

Green Thursday-Gründonnerstag-
The Thursday Before Easter

Also called Maundy Thursday or Green Thursday, Gründonnerstag.

In Weimar a local custom dates back to the writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who lived in this picturesque town for decades, until his death in 1832. Once a year on Green Thursday he would invite children into his garden where he had hidden eggs for them to find. Weimar maintains the tradition to this day and invites youngsters to "Search for the Easter eggs" in the park on the river Ilm where Goethe's residence still stands. Also on this day it is customary in some parts of Germany to stick to the day’s literal meaning and to eat something green.

Linguistics no longer believes that is comes from the word greinen. They believe it comes from the very early Christian tradition that penitents and excommunicated got forgiveness on Gründonnerstag and were allowed back to church. They became “fresh green wood on the stem of the church” (Lukas 23,31)
They were called “The Greens” and would come on Gründonnerstag in a white dress and a green scarf to church.

Easter Dinner-Traditional German

A traditional Easter meal consists of lamb, which represents innocence and humility, accompanied by fresh vegetables and potatoes. Festive cakes are, of course, also a staple ingredient for a Easter Sunday afternoon Kaffee und Kuchen.

Lamb Cake-Das Gebackene Osterlamm

This delicious baked cake in the form of a lamb is a sought-after treat during Easter season. Whether made simply, such as with Hefeteig (yeast dough) only or with a rich creamy filling in the center, either way the Osterlamm is always a hit with kids. You can find a great assortment of Easter lamb cake recipes at Osterlammrezepte.

If you have something to add, perhaps an old German custom your family still honors, please submit it to GermanMarylanders@gmail.com

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