Frohe Ostern (FRO-Huh OS-tern)

Who knew Easter would be such a big deal in Germany? Maybe it is because it really marks the end of the cold winter, and the beginning of a colorful spring. Or maybe it is because like more German Holidays, everyone gets a week off of school and in some cases work. No matter what it is, Easter is a big deal, and you need to know what you should do to celebrate!

First you must of course decorate: Use colorful spring flowers in the windowsills, buy some already dyed hard boiled eggs, and stock up on marzipan or chocolate lambs. Of course you must decorate your “Easter Tree” too! What in the world is an “Easter Tree” you might ask? It is a bunch of branches and twigs (a tree that is lifeless after winter maybe) and you hang colorful eggs in them. Don’t hide them like you do in the States, just display them for the world to see. The Easter bunny as we know was actually brought over to the US by a Pennsylvania Dutch settler who named it the “Oschter Haws” or Easter Hare, and the first edible bunnies were made in Germany in the 1800’s.

Make sure you get your shopping done on Thursday because also like all other German Holidays, EVERYTHING CLOSES. Shops, Banks, Offices, and even certain public transportation shuts down from Good Friday till Easter Monday. Have kids? Well they are going to be stuck at home for 2 weeks because schools close. Don’t have kids and were planning to travel? Good luck! Everyone is thinking the same and so all museums, parks, hotels, and attractions will be packed.

Ok so how am I supposed to celebrate? Color eggs, check out the Easter markets on Saturdays that are filled with crafts and sweets, and maybe even light a Easter bonfire to ward away evil spirits of winter. On Easter morning, search for the hidden Easter egg basket in your house, attend mass and then make sure to enjoy a typical Easter Brunch of lamb, potatoes, and fresh veggies. Yum!

Hope you have a Happy Easter!