Easter traditions in the USA, Germany, and Mexico

People celebrate Easter in many countries and have different traditions and symbols. They have developed gradually over time. However, some of them have been around for centuries.

How Americans Celebrate Easter

The most well-known symbol of this Christian holiday is the Easter bunny. But did you know that this symbol was brought to America by German immigrants? They told stories of an egg-laying hare and how German kids made nests where hares lay colored eggs. It is believed that in the 13th century, people started decorating eggs.

Egg Hunt with the American Easter Bunny

According to tradition, adults hide colorful eggs and candies so that kids can go egg hunting. Kids believe that the Easter Bunny hides those things.

Usually, after egg hunting, there is Easter Egg Roll. The Easter Egg Roll is a competition for kids where they roll an egg down a hill. The egg which comes down the hill first wins the race.

Shell Crack Game

One more fun game for kids. For this game, you need one hard-boiled egg and a partner. Then you try to smash the egg of your competitor. A person with a cracked shell loses the game.

Treats for the Easter Bunny

Kids leave some carrots and water or other rabbit-friendly treats for a bunny before going to bed.

Decorate an Easter Egg Tree

There is another Easter tradition – decorating an easter egg tree. All you need is some branches, colorful eggs, some foam maybe, and stuffed Easter Bunnies. If you are looking for some inspiration, in this article, you can find 6 Easter Tree Ideas.

Egg Time Machine Letter

Children write a letter to their future themselves, place it in a plastic egg and then open it next year on Easter.

How Germans Celebrate Easter

There are many traditions in Germany, too — for instance, coloring eggs, egg hunting, or Easter riding (Osterreiten – is an ancient religious ritual in the form of a procession in which the resurrection of Jesus Christ is proclaimed).

Many Easter traditions are closely connected to the Christian faith. For example, they offer the Easter lamb, the lighting of the Easter fire, and the consecration of the Easter candle.

People usually cook Easter biscuits, Easter bread, and yeast braid.

The Easter Bunny

One of the symbols of Easter in Germany is Easter Bunny. It has been a symbol for many years. People believe that it symbolizes fertility. This is because rabbits were considered messengers of the Germanic goddess of spring and fertility, Ostara.

Easter bonfires (Osterfeuer)

Germans lit enormous bonfires the night before Easter Sunday. Such bonfires welcome spring and drive away the evil spirits of winter.

The Easter Fire and the Easter Candle

The Easter fire symbolizes the sun. People lit spring fires in pre-Christian times to invoke the sun with the spring fire to “descend” to Earth. First, Easter Fires were lit in about 750 AD. They were and are kindled and partly blessed on Easter Saturday – in some areas, also on Easter Sunday.

Moreover, in some places, people lit festively decorated Easter candles, which are then carried into the churches when it’s dark outside. It symbolizes Jesus’ victory over death – his resurrection.

Green Thursday (Gründonnerstag)

Gründonnerstag (Green Thursday) is the day Jesus had his last supper with the disciples. On Green Thursdays people eat something green. For example, young sprouts, leek cakes, kale, spinach, and green salads.

How Mexicans Celebrate Easter

In Mexico, Easter is a two-week holiday. It consists of a combination of Semana Santa (Holly Week) and Pascua (Easter). Semana Santa is from Palm Sunday until the next Saturday. And Pascua begins the week from Easter Sunday to the following Saturday.

Semana Santa is the main holiday season of the year. Schools and businesses are often closed, and many Mexican families spend time together.

Processions and celebrations take place throughout the country. However, they differ depending on the location. The huge parades are in Taxco, Pátzcuaro, Oaxaca, and San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos)

On this day, people celebrate the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem. And the last Sunday is known as Palm Sunday.

Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo)

This day is known as Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday. This day celebrates the washing of the feet of the apostles on the Last Supper and Jesus’ arrest in Gethsemane.

Good Friday (Viernes Santo)

On this day, Christ was crucified.

Holy Saturday (Sabado de Gloria)

As a symbol that Jesus was betrayed. In some areas, people burn Judas.

Easter Sunday (Domingo de Pascua)

On this day, Christ was resurrected. People usually go to church.

Which tradition is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.

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