Easter Traditions in Germany
The Easter season is a time when all customs seem to symbolize renewal, life and the beginning of spring. Colorful eggs, special meals, huge bonfires and, of course, church services are some of the customs that mark this special time of year.
Waving palms on Palm Sunday, eating green foods on the Thursday before Easter, attending church services and spending time with family over the long Easter weekend are all traditions rooted some meaning.
Roots of Meaning
Colorful eggs as a symbol of resurgent life in the spring are a quintessential part of the Easter tradition in Germany. They are on every table at Easter, and children look forward to hunting the treats the Easter bunny has left for them.
Eggs and Bunnies
The Fresians throw their eggs downhill; Weimar keeps Goethe's egg hunt going; the town of Ostereistedt receives letters for the Easter bunny; northern Germans gather around bonfires, and in Traunstein they gather on horseback.
Regional Traditions
This sweet bread adorned with decorated eggs is a popular Easter treat across much of Germany. Maybe this braided yeast dough treat will become a tradition in your home.
Osterkranz
