APRIL 2014
58
Inhabitants of Germany take great excitement to the spring weather, for winters in Germany drop below zero. Germany has “Easter trees”, which are twigs and bushes vividly decorated with eggs. The Easter bunny symbolizes fertility, and has been a tradition since the eighteenth century. In 1800, edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany, and have been a crowd favorite ever since. In addition, Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays in Germany, so that enjoyment of the wonderful holiday can be taken advantage of, without worry of school or work.
While the church bells of France ring throughout the year, the Thursday before Good Friday, the bells are stopped. The silence of the bells allows quiet reflection of what Jesus did upon the cross for each believer. However, this silence is broken on the joy of Easter morning, boldly proclaiming His resurrection and victory over death. Instead of the belief that the Easter Bunny brought the traditional Easter eggs, the French believe that the eggs came from Rome, Italy where the bell ringing had left to see the Pope. When the bells ring again, they believe that upon their return, they brought eggs back.
by Julia Schemmer