Easter in Germany

     Easter is one of the most loved holidays in America, full of religious traditions and gatherings of friends and families. But did you know that in Germany, Easter is one of the most popular holidays also? In Germany, Easter marks new beginnings as it is intertwined with spring's gift of sunlight and growth after a cold winter.

      This year at Chadron High School, we have the privilege of having two foreign exchange students, Liam Simon and Hendrik Gajewski. Both hail from Germany, and have a firsthand experience with all the traditions celebrated in Germany for Easter.

      Although some families do not celebrate Easter Sunday in Germany, just as some do not here in the United States, Liam's family back home has specific reasons as to why they celebrate. "We celebrate Easter for my little brothers. They are excited for it, and it's a nice opportunity to be with my family,” said Liam.

     As for Hendrik, he simply states, "We celebrate Easter for Jesus." In Hendrik's life, Easter is also an affair for the entire family. As a family tradition, Hendrik says, "We all head over to my grandparents."

       Although in the United States it is ordinary for churches to be overflowing on Easter, Liam says, "It's not very common in Germany." What is common however is,"You get up early in the morning and your parents tell you that the Easter bunny was there over night, and he hid eggs and candy for you to find." Sound familiar?

     On the contrary, Hendrik's family back home does not celebrate with the classic search of colorful eggs and sweet treats. "We receive little presents," he says.

     As many know, food is a large component of what makes any holiday. In Germany, Liam said his family dines on pie and coffee, and usually some German pretzels. According to Hendrik, his family eats "whatever my grandma makes."

     However, this year, the foreign exchange students might get a different perspective on Easter as they celebrate in the United States. Although Liam is not sure what his host family is doing this year, he says, "I know that we are dying Easter eggs." And as for Hendrik, his host family is "going to church, and then having dinner."