German Easter Food and Traditions Explained

German Easter Traditions and Symbols

Ostern: What Does "Easter" Mean in German?

Easter in Germany is called "Ostern". It is unclear where the name derives from but it is assumed that is derived from "Ost" (East), the direction in which the sun rises. It also coincides with an old pagan tradition to celebrate spring. As the sun rises in the east, dawn has a symbolic significance in Christianity and stands for resurrection and new beginnings. Jesus's empty grave was discovered just as the sun rose. For this reason, there are also many christenings at Easter. [Source: Namensforschung.net: Ostern]

Easter Greetings in Germany

In Germany, you say "Frohe Ostern" to wish someone a "Happy Easter". This is how you pronounce "Frohe Ostern".

The Easter Bunny (Osterhase)

In Germany, it is traditional that the Easter bunny brings Easter eggs. The first Easter bunny was mentioned in Germany in 1678. However, the custom only started about 100 years ago. In some parts of Germany, it was the easter bunny who brought the eggs. However, there were regional differences, and in some regions, it was the cuckoo or a fox, a stork or even a special easter bird.

In the previous centuries, it was especially the birds who brought the eggs. They would fly to Rome on Maudy Thursday and return on Saturday, dropping the eggs in people's gardens. This is another theory of how the easter hunt started. Source Markt.de Osterhase-Herkunft-Bedeutung.

It is probably thanks to the protestants that the legend of the Easter bunny stuck. They supposedly started the tradition of hiding the eggs, and because the rabbit and hare have Christian symbolic meaning, it was the rabbit who has chosen for the important task of hiding the eggs.

German Easter Egg Hunt

A highlight for children, the Easter egg hunt is a cherished tradition. Children run out into the garden on Easter morning to search for chocolate Easter eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny.

The custom possibly originated from pagan rituals celebrating the goddess Ostara. When Christianity took hold, the gifting of eggs was prohibited—so people began hiding them to maintain the tradition covertly.

German Easter Tree (Osterbaum)

The German Easter tree has its origin in pagan times. Eggs are a sign of fertility and the symbol of victory of life over death. It fits in well with spring, where the colorful eggs scare away the winter. It also coincides with the time many trees start regrowing their first leaves.

You will see Easter trees, decorated with Easter eggs in gardens. Indoor Easter trees are a popular centerpiece on dining tables. You arrange Forsythia or willow branches in a vase and decorate them with eggs. [Der Ostereierbaum: Bedeutung und Tradition]

Osterfeuer (German Easter Fires)

On the night between Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday, large bonfires are lit—a tradition rooted in Germanic customs to scare away winter. Christians later adopted the practice, and today, priests light the Easter candle from the fire. The flame traditionally stays alight until Good Friday the following year.

These gatherings are also social events where friends and families come together. After the fire, people enjoy chocolate buns and Easter eggs while wishing each other Frohe Ostern.

Ostermarkt (German Easter Markets)

Easter Markets are big fairs that spring up all around Germany around Easter time. They range from full funfairs, such as the famous Osterwiese in Bremen, to Art and Craft fairs such as the famous Ostermarkt in Nürenberg. Whenever you go, you will be sure to be able to sample some of the delicious German Easter Food.

The Holy Week in Germany (Karwoche)

The holy week is also called "Karwoche" in Germany. They consist of 5 five key day

• Palm Sunday (Palmensonntag)
• Maudy Thursday (Gründonnerstag)
• K-Friday (Karfreitag)
• Easter Saturday (Kar-Samstag)
• Easter Sunday (Ostersonntag)

Palmensonntag (Palm Sunday)

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus's arrival in Jerusalem. In Germany, priests lead processions and bless branches. As palm leaves are not native, box trees and local evergreens are used.

This is also when Easter decorating begins and the first Easter markets open.

Gründonnerstag (Maudy Thursday)

On Gründonnerstag (which literally translated means Green Thursday) we remember Jesus' last meal before his crucifixion. The word “Grün” is confusing as it does not originate from “grün”, the German word for green, but the antiquated term “gronan” which means to mourn or cry.

Nevertheless, you tend to eat green dishes on this day, such as salad, spinach and kale. As this day is still part of the fasting season you should refrain from eating meat.

Typical Gründonnerstag recipes

Karfreitag (Good Friday) 

"Karfreitag" is the German term for Good Friday. We remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. We refrain from sweets and meat, and so it is traditional to serve fish and vegetables on this day.

Typical Good Friday dishes:

Karsamstag (Easter Saturday)

Still part of the fasting period, Easter Saturday is a busy day for preparation. While not a holiday, many shops are open, and families bake Easter bread and cakes. Children often dye Easter eggs in anticipation of Sundays

Easter Sunday and Monday (Ostersonntag and Ostermontag)

On Easter Sunday Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the end of Lent. If you have children in the house, then the day probably will start with an easter egg hunt in the garden. This will be followed by an elaborate Easter Brunch.

Everybody will go as a family to church and at lunch, there will be a huge feast for everyone.