Easter is suppose to be about spending time with those you love like your kids and partner. A great way to bring everyone together this year and working together is to devise an Easter crafts project like designing your very own printable Easter card for close friends and family.
The Learning Curve for Designing Your Printable Cards
Your kids may be more used to arts and crafts involving paper, glue, and colored pencil crayons. Whilst these are still great materials to create inspire more hands on creativity, you should start to think about introducing your little ones to the technological era of the computer - if you haven't already.
Kids always take better and learn quicker to technology than adults so don't be afraid that they wont know how to use a PC, as chances are, they will be better than you after a few tries and instruction from you. There are many different software titles that can be bought for a nominal fee to help create your printable Easter card that have lots of images for your kids to choose from and templates they can start from.
Once you choose the software you want to use, you may want to get a head start on your kids and spend an evening getting used to the software. You will avoid much frustration on their part if you know the software before hand so that you can help them when they're stuck and guide them in the right direction.
You may be tempted to go for the free option and use a free bit of software to create your printable Easter card on. I would advise against most of these however, as many trick you by letting you create a beautiful card online, then when you try to print it, they will ask for your credit card. Another trick the free ones like to use, is they plant their logo and website address right on the front of your card in the top corner. You want your printable Easter card to have a beautiful Easter nativity scene on it, not a billboard for some start-up website.
What Should I be Prepared to Pay for my Printable Easter Cards Online?
This really is one of those, "how long is a piece of string" questions. You should be prepared to spend about $15 - £30 for your printable Easter card software that will allow you to create your cards and print them off with no hassle or company branding. But the real cost will be when you want to print them out. Depending on the printer you own, will dictate how much your ink cartridges are. But most colour ink cartridges are $50 - $100 for a full set, so this is where you will spend most of your money. Specialized paper will also have to be bought to give your printable Easter card a robust, quality feel. But how great will a personalized Easter card go down with your kid's Granny...she'll love it.
Weaving Easter Traditions Into Easter Cupcake Decorating Ideas
When many of us think of Easter Traditions we think Easter eggs, hot cross buns, Easter bunnies. It's true that these have all become part of Easter without realizing their significance. Have you ever asked the question "what do bunnies have to do with eggs and Easter?" As I show you some Easter cupcake decorating ideas I will attempt to explain what the tradition behind the symbol.
The Easter Bunny
For thousands of years the rabbit has been a symbol of fertility. The Goddess Eostre (also known as Eastre among other variants) was the Great Mother Goddess of the Anglo-Saxons. The Saxons worshiped her through her earthly symbol of the rabbit. The name of the goddess was derived from the ancient word for spring.
Having started as a pagan festival predating Christianity the bunny tradition was brought to America by the German immigrants in the 1500 and 1600. The immigrants would tell tales to their children of the Easter Hare who had laid eggs for children to find. Cakes were also baked in the shape of bunnies.
Easter bunny cupcake decoration idea. Ice your cupcake with a pastel shade of pink. With white icing make two cheeks, placing them just below half way. Use a jelly bean for the eyes and nose and small marshmallows cut and shaped for the ears. To make the pink inner ear, dip the cut side of the marshmallow into pink sugar. The final touch is to pipe two or three whiskers from the cheeks.
The Easter Egg
As with the Easter bunny the Easter egg also predates Christianity. In many cultures the egg symbolizes rebirth, new life and fertility and is used in Spring festivals.
In Medieval times eggs were not allowed during Lent which traditionally ends on Holy Saturday -- the day after Good Friday. Eggs laid during the forty day period of Lent were often boiled or preserved and the egg became a mainstay of Easter meals.
Many traditions have developed around the Easter egg with the coloring of eggs becoming an established art -- the most elaborate decorations coming from Eastern Europe. These days there are many chocolate eggs with colored foil to represent the painted egg. Eggs are used as holiday games such as the Easter egg hunt and the egg roll. The most famous of these is the egg roll which usually takes place on the White House lawn each year.
Easter egg cupcake decoration idea number one. Ice your cupcake with smooth paste such as glace (water) icing and pipe designs or use edible paint. You can also two or three different color icings without actually mixing them but to make a marble effect.
Idea two -- bird's nest of eggs. Ice your cupcakes with chocolate frosting making the edges a little raised. Grate chocolate or sprinkle chocolate hail to represent the bird's nest. In the hollowed centre place mini chocolate eggs or candies that look like eggs.
The Hot Cross Bun.
It may come as a surprise that once again the sweet fruit yeast bun with the cross is thought to predate Christianity having formed part of Anglo-Saxon festivities celebrating the goddess Eostre. The cross is thought to represent the four quarters of the moon.
According to Wikipedia the term "Hot Cross Bun" was first recorded in 1733. Today the hot cross bun has become a part of Easter tradition with the cross standing as a symbol of the crucifixion. Although in our household they are eaten well before Easter the tradition is to serve them on Good Friday.
Hot cross bun cupcake. This is the simplest of the decorating ideas as all you need do is choose your cupcake icing and pipe a cross on it. To make the cupcake look like a spicy bun with fruit you could add the spices and a small amount of current. Why not use chocolate?
Perhaps you have had some surprises when considering the traditions that we have come to associate with Easter. Who knows the creating of new Easter cupcake decoration ideas may become a new tradition.
The Easter Bunny
For thousands of years the rabbit has been a symbol of fertility. The Goddess Eostre (also known as Eastre among other variants) was the Great Mother Goddess of the Anglo-Saxons. The Saxons worshiped her through her earthly symbol of the rabbit. The name of the goddess was derived from the ancient word for spring.
Having started as a pagan festival predating Christianity the bunny tradition was brought to America by the German immigrants in the 1500 and 1600. The immigrants would tell tales to their children of the Easter Hare who had laid eggs for children to find. Cakes were also baked in the shape of bunnies.
Easter bunny cupcake decoration idea. Ice your cupcake with a pastel shade of pink. With white icing make two cheeks, placing them just below half way. Use a jelly bean for the eyes and nose and small marshmallows cut and shaped for the ears. To make the pink inner ear, dip the cut side of the marshmallow into pink sugar. The final touch is to pipe two or three whiskers from the cheeks.
The Easter Egg
As with the Easter bunny the Easter egg also predates Christianity. In many cultures the egg symbolizes rebirth, new life and fertility and is used in Spring festivals.
In Medieval times eggs were not allowed during Lent which traditionally ends on Holy Saturday -- the day after Good Friday. Eggs laid during the forty day period of Lent were often boiled or preserved and the egg became a mainstay of Easter meals.
Many traditions have developed around the Easter egg with the coloring of eggs becoming an established art -- the most elaborate decorations coming from Eastern Europe. These days there are many chocolate eggs with colored foil to represent the painted egg. Eggs are used as holiday games such as the Easter egg hunt and the egg roll. The most famous of these is the egg roll which usually takes place on the White House lawn each year.
Easter egg cupcake decoration idea number one. Ice your cupcake with smooth paste such as glace (water) icing and pipe designs or use edible paint. You can also two or three different color icings without actually mixing them but to make a marble effect.
Idea two -- bird's nest of eggs. Ice your cupcakes with chocolate frosting making the edges a little raised. Grate chocolate or sprinkle chocolate hail to represent the bird's nest. In the hollowed centre place mini chocolate eggs or candies that look like eggs.
The Hot Cross Bun.
It may come as a surprise that once again the sweet fruit yeast bun with the cross is thought to predate Christianity having formed part of Anglo-Saxon festivities celebrating the goddess Eostre. The cross is thought to represent the four quarters of the moon.
According to Wikipedia the term "Hot Cross Bun" was first recorded in 1733. Today the hot cross bun has become a part of Easter tradition with the cross standing as a symbol of the crucifixion. Although in our household they are eaten well before Easter the tradition is to serve them on Good Friday.
Hot cross bun cupcake. This is the simplest of the decorating ideas as all you need do is choose your cupcake icing and pipe a cross on it. To make the cupcake look like a spicy bun with fruit you could add the spices and a small amount of current. Why not use chocolate?
Perhaps you have had some surprises when considering the traditions that we have come to associate with Easter. Who knows the creating of new Easter cupcake decoration ideas may become a new tradition.
Preschool Easter Crafts For Kids Are a Great Way to Get Them Active This Easter
Working with preschoolers is great as they are usually very enthusiastic when it comes to making stuff and creating lots of arts and crafts projects within the classroom. They are usually about 3 or 4 years old, which means they have been jaded by the harsh world around them and still have great optimism. They usually want to please and get praise from adults and teachers so they try hard at all that they do.
This enthusiasm extends to preschool Easter crafts for kids in the classroom too. No matter what activity you place in front of them, you can usually bet that they will give it a good go. Anyone that works with children will pretty much tell you the same thing.
This is why Easter is a popular time in the classroom when it comes to being creative with arts and crafts. The good thing about Easter is that there is a ton of things that can be made ranging from Easter baskets to decorating Easter eggs.
Some Cool Easter Craft Ideas for Preschoolers
You are really only limited by your imagination and the tools that you have in your classroom when it comes to devising preschool Easter crafts for kids this year. Of course, you have to make sure that these young ones are supervised if using scissors, and that they have the appropriate safety blades.
You can start your preschoolers off with a simple Easter arts and craft idea that is always popular at this time of year. Take some different colored card, reds, pinks, blues etc. and cut them into long strips. Then using sticky tape of safety glue, instruct your class to weave the card together to create a simple Easter basket shape. You can also bring in some tissue paper to line the bottom of their baskets. Another piece of different colored card can be bent into shape to form an ad hoc handle too.
If your preschoolers have access to computers then they can go online (with some help) and print off some Easter themed pictures like Easter bunnies, Easter Eggs, Easter chicks etc. that can be printed out and used as decoration for their Easter baskets.
An Excuse to Talk Easter
Whilst your little ones are busy crafting their Easter baskets, you can be telling them all about Easter and what it means to you so that they can understand a little of the background of why they are making their baskets.
Who'd have thought that preschool Easter crafts for kids was such a great way to get your pupils actively participating in a great activity that promotes group work and good communication skills.
This enthusiasm extends to preschool Easter crafts for kids in the classroom too. No matter what activity you place in front of them, you can usually bet that they will give it a good go. Anyone that works with children will pretty much tell you the same thing.
This is why Easter is a popular time in the classroom when it comes to being creative with arts and crafts. The good thing about Easter is that there is a ton of things that can be made ranging from Easter baskets to decorating Easter eggs.
Some Cool Easter Craft Ideas for Preschoolers
You are really only limited by your imagination and the tools that you have in your classroom when it comes to devising preschool Easter crafts for kids this year. Of course, you have to make sure that these young ones are supervised if using scissors, and that they have the appropriate safety blades.
You can start your preschoolers off with a simple Easter arts and craft idea that is always popular at this time of year. Take some different colored card, reds, pinks, blues etc. and cut them into long strips. Then using sticky tape of safety glue, instruct your class to weave the card together to create a simple Easter basket shape. You can also bring in some tissue paper to line the bottom of their baskets. Another piece of different colored card can be bent into shape to form an ad hoc handle too.
If your preschoolers have access to computers then they can go online (with some help) and print off some Easter themed pictures like Easter bunnies, Easter Eggs, Easter chicks etc. that can be printed out and used as decoration for their Easter baskets.
An Excuse to Talk Easter
Whilst your little ones are busy crafting their Easter baskets, you can be telling them all about Easter and what it means to you so that they can understand a little of the background of why they are making their baskets.
Who'd have thought that preschool Easter crafts for kids was such a great way to get your pupils actively participating in a great activity that promotes group work and good communication skills.
How to Write a Letter From the Easter Bunny
Imagine having to hop all over the world in one night, toting Easter baskets and eggs while you're at it. With all those responsibilities, plus the lack of opposable thumbs, is it any wonder the Easter Bunny sometimes doesn't get around to writing letters to little boys and girls? Fortunately, it's easy for grownups to help the rabbit out and write a letter themselves.
Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and other loved ones can write an Easter Bunny letter from scratch, or, to make the process much simpler yet still personal, they can choose to customize a letter found on the Internet. Additionally, some Web sites offer letters already formatted on attractive, full-color Easter letterhead that can be instantly downloaded and printed.
No professional writing skills are needed to write a letter from the Easter Bunny. By following a few basic tips, knowing the child and getting into a "bunny" frame of mind, you, too, can make Easter extra-special with a letter from a very special rabbit.
First, decide on timing. When and how do you want the letter to be delivered? If it will be sent in the mail, you'll need to get it written, formatted, printed and sent off with days to spare. For older children, you might also want to consider taking steps to make sure the letter isn't postmarked from your own town. If you would rather present the letter on Easter morning, either set by a plate of half-eaten carrots or placed inside an Easter basket, you'll have more flexibility, since pre-formatted letters can be downloaded and printed from the Internet.
When writing, consider the tone of the letter you want the bunny to present. Most people consider the Easter Bunny to be a jovial and fun-loving fellow. References to hopping around, chomping on carrots and so on are all good ideas. You might choose to have the bunny offer some gentle advice, such as being patient with little siblings during the egg hunt, going to bed early on Saturday or waiting until after Easter dinner to enjoy that chocolate rabbit.
Jokes are fun to include in an Easter letter, as are puns. You could also mention "hopping down the bunny trail," "nose twitching" and other rabbit characteristics. Another approach is to praise the child for getting so good at finding eggs that it's now a challenge to hide them.
To make the letter ever more personal, consider adding some details about the child's own family or home, such as the bunny's encounter with a family pet, or the challenge of finding new hiding places in the child's yard or house. If the child "met" him at the mall or elsewhere, you could mention that.
If your family is of the Christian faith, you may want reference the resurrection of Christ, Sunday church services or other religious traditions or beliefs.
Don't feel pressured to make the letter "perfect." Children will be excited just to hear from the bunny, whether the letter is long or short, elaborate or to-the-point. (Most kids would get a kick out of a simple "Thanks for the carrot" note.)
Easter Bunny letters can be handwritten, typed or printed from a computer. It's nice to use quality stationery, preferably with an Easter theme. Again, "sign" the letter as E. Bunny, Peter Cottontail, etc. If the letter is to be given to an older child, you may want to take special care to type the letter, disguise handwriting, add the "signature" and so on.
If you as the bunny's helper write from the heart, you'll be sure to craft a clever, cute letter that any child will cherish.
Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and other loved ones can write an Easter Bunny letter from scratch, or, to make the process much simpler yet still personal, they can choose to customize a letter found on the Internet. Additionally, some Web sites offer letters already formatted on attractive, full-color Easter letterhead that can be instantly downloaded and printed.
No professional writing skills are needed to write a letter from the Easter Bunny. By following a few basic tips, knowing the child and getting into a "bunny" frame of mind, you, too, can make Easter extra-special with a letter from a very special rabbit.
First, decide on timing. When and how do you want the letter to be delivered? If it will be sent in the mail, you'll need to get it written, formatted, printed and sent off with days to spare. For older children, you might also want to consider taking steps to make sure the letter isn't postmarked from your own town. If you would rather present the letter on Easter morning, either set by a plate of half-eaten carrots or placed inside an Easter basket, you'll have more flexibility, since pre-formatted letters can be downloaded and printed from the Internet.
When writing, consider the tone of the letter you want the bunny to present. Most people consider the Easter Bunny to be a jovial and fun-loving fellow. References to hopping around, chomping on carrots and so on are all good ideas. You might choose to have the bunny offer some gentle advice, such as being patient with little siblings during the egg hunt, going to bed early on Saturday or waiting until after Easter dinner to enjoy that chocolate rabbit.
Jokes are fun to include in an Easter letter, as are puns. You could also mention "hopping down the bunny trail," "nose twitching" and other rabbit characteristics. Another approach is to praise the child for getting so good at finding eggs that it's now a challenge to hide them.
To make the letter ever more personal, consider adding some details about the child's own family or home, such as the bunny's encounter with a family pet, or the challenge of finding new hiding places in the child's yard or house. If the child "met" him at the mall or elsewhere, you could mention that.
If your family is of the Christian faith, you may want reference the resurrection of Christ, Sunday church services or other religious traditions or beliefs.
Don't feel pressured to make the letter "perfect." Children will be excited just to hear from the bunny, whether the letter is long or short, elaborate or to-the-point. (Most kids would get a kick out of a simple "Thanks for the carrot" note.)
Easter Bunny letters can be handwritten, typed or printed from a computer. It's nice to use quality stationery, preferably with an Easter theme. Again, "sign" the letter as E. Bunny, Peter Cottontail, etc. If the letter is to be given to an older child, you may want to take special care to type the letter, disguise handwriting, add the "signature" and so on.
If you as the bunny's helper write from the heart, you'll be sure to craft a clever, cute letter that any child will cherish.
Printable Easter Bingo Cards
Easter is the Christian religious festival which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It should be noted that in the Christian context, the word "Easter" refers to the season of the Church year beginning on Easter day and lasting either 40 days until Ascension day (the traditional Easter season) or 50 days (modern Easter season).
The date of Easter day itself is calculated used a complex method involving cycles of the moon, and thus falls on different dates each year. This is because Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover festival, and the Jewish calendar is based on lunar cycles. The actual date of Easter falls in March or April in Western Christian traditions, and in April or May according to Eastern Christian traditions.
Although still a religious holiday, today Easter is celebrated not only by Christians, but also as a secular holiday. Secular marking of the events may include the sending of greeting cards, the giving and consumption of sweets and candies (including chocolate eggs), and children painting eggs in bright colors. Furthermore, many countries have their own unique tradition associated with the holiday. For example, in the United States of America, eggs are delivered by the Easter bunny (a rabbit) who hides children when they are asleep, whereas in the United Kingdom, eggs are often exchanged as gifts between family members, and spicy buns marked with a cross ("hot cross buns") are eaten.
Easter is usually marked in schools, as well as by families and Christian groups. Apart from religious traditional activities, you can use the occasion as an opportunity to play educational games. These games can provide an opportunity for youngsters to discover the traditions of Easter, as well as providing a lot of fun for people of all age groups.
The ideal games are those which not only educational and fun, but easy to learn and play. One game that fits this model and is affordable too, is bingo. Nearly everyone already knows how to play the game, those few who don't can quickly learn, and it doesn't cost an arm and leg - as you can simply print, the bingo cards from your computer. Of course, if you're going to play bingo at Easter, you want the game to be themed for the occasion - by this I mean you want bingo cards printed with words or phrases relating to Easter rather than numbers - this is no problem however as the computer can print any type of custom bingo cards with equal ease.
The date of Easter day itself is calculated used a complex method involving cycles of the moon, and thus falls on different dates each year. This is because Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover festival, and the Jewish calendar is based on lunar cycles. The actual date of Easter falls in March or April in Western Christian traditions, and in April or May according to Eastern Christian traditions.
Although still a religious holiday, today Easter is celebrated not only by Christians, but also as a secular holiday. Secular marking of the events may include the sending of greeting cards, the giving and consumption of sweets and candies (including chocolate eggs), and children painting eggs in bright colors. Furthermore, many countries have their own unique tradition associated with the holiday. For example, in the United States of America, eggs are delivered by the Easter bunny (a rabbit) who hides children when they are asleep, whereas in the United Kingdom, eggs are often exchanged as gifts between family members, and spicy buns marked with a cross ("hot cross buns") are eaten.
Easter is usually marked in schools, as well as by families and Christian groups. Apart from religious traditional activities, you can use the occasion as an opportunity to play educational games. These games can provide an opportunity for youngsters to discover the traditions of Easter, as well as providing a lot of fun for people of all age groups.
The ideal games are those which not only educational and fun, but easy to learn and play. One game that fits this model and is affordable too, is bingo. Nearly everyone already knows how to play the game, those few who don't can quickly learn, and it doesn't cost an arm and leg - as you can simply print, the bingo cards from your computer. Of course, if you're going to play bingo at Easter, you want the game to be themed for the occasion - by this I mean you want bingo cards printed with words or phrases relating to Easter rather than numbers - this is no problem however as the computer can print any type of custom bingo cards with equal ease.
The Plain Truth about Easter
Like dumb sheep to the slaughter, most of mankind continues to blindly follow pagan traditions, rather than obey God's clear commands (Mark 7:7). Has it ever occurred to those stuffing their faces with Easter ham that Jesus would puke at the thought? Neither Jesus or Peter, James or John ever ate forbidden foods. They wouldn't feel too comfortable at plenty of people's dinner tables.
Even the early Gentile converts to Jewish Christianity respected the biblical dietary laws (Acts 15:20), understanding that not all foods are sanctioned by the Creator in the Holy Scriptures (I Timothy 4:5).
When John the Baptist recognized Jesus as our Passover sacrifice, he declared: "Behold the Lamb of God" (John 1:29). He didn't say, "Here comes the Easter Bunny!" Again, like the Easter ham, the Easter rabbit is also rejected in the Bible as an abomination (Leviticus 11:6-7).
The very name of Easter exposes itself as a heathen festival, although it's cloaked as "Christian." Easter/Ishtar/Astarte is the Babylonian spring goddess our British-Israelite forefathers foolishly worshipped. Hence the fertility symbols of rabbits and eggs.
God isn't fooled by such baptized paganism, such whitewashed heathen customs (Deuteronomy 12:30). He commands us to commemorate Jesus' death every Passover and recognize His atoning work of redemption as our resurrected High Priest in Heaven, unleavening our lives of sin (I Corinthians 5:7-8).
The early Church followed Jesus' Jewish example for several hundred years until Gentile opposition (from false converts) threatened them with a death sentence if they didn't bow before Easter observances (the Quarto-Deciman controversy)!
A growing number now know, understand and believe the biblical account that we're to observe Passover and that Jesus was resurrected before sunrise Sunday, "when it was yet dark" (John 10:1). Others prefer to reject this light of understanding to remain in their traditional darkness and die in their sins (John 3:19)-- it's that serious! Because if our nations don't repent of such idolatry and immorality we'll soon suffer national destruction, defeat and deportation! That's why this article of faith is part of our plea to diehard Catholics and Protestants to repent.
Thankfully, every generation has those chosen few who are willing to reject holidays for holy days and "earnestly contend for the faith once delivered" (Jude 3). Hopefully, this plain truth about Easter will cause you to question your beliefs and provide some "kosher" food for thought!
Even the early Gentile converts to Jewish Christianity respected the biblical dietary laws (Acts 15:20), understanding that not all foods are sanctioned by the Creator in the Holy Scriptures (I Timothy 4:5).
When John the Baptist recognized Jesus as our Passover sacrifice, he declared: "Behold the Lamb of God" (John 1:29). He didn't say, "Here comes the Easter Bunny!" Again, like the Easter ham, the Easter rabbit is also rejected in the Bible as an abomination (Leviticus 11:6-7).
The very name of Easter exposes itself as a heathen festival, although it's cloaked as "Christian." Easter/Ishtar/Astarte is the Babylonian spring goddess our British-Israelite forefathers foolishly worshipped. Hence the fertility symbols of rabbits and eggs.
God isn't fooled by such baptized paganism, such whitewashed heathen customs (Deuteronomy 12:30). He commands us to commemorate Jesus' death every Passover and recognize His atoning work of redemption as our resurrected High Priest in Heaven, unleavening our lives of sin (I Corinthians 5:7-8).
The early Church followed Jesus' Jewish example for several hundred years until Gentile opposition (from false converts) threatened them with a death sentence if they didn't bow before Easter observances (the Quarto-Deciman controversy)!
A growing number now know, understand and believe the biblical account that we're to observe Passover and that Jesus was resurrected before sunrise Sunday, "when it was yet dark" (John 10:1). Others prefer to reject this light of understanding to remain in their traditional darkness and die in their sins (John 3:19)-- it's that serious! Because if our nations don't repent of such idolatry and immorality we'll soon suffer national destruction, defeat and deportation! That's why this article of faith is part of our plea to diehard Catholics and Protestants to repent.
Thankfully, every generation has those chosen few who are willing to reject holidays for holy days and "earnestly contend for the faith once delivered" (Jude 3). Hopefully, this plain truth about Easter will cause you to question your beliefs and provide some "kosher" food for thought!
How to Celebrate Easter in Germany
Celebration of Easter in Germany, as with all other Christian countries, is a major event for Catholics as well as for Protestants. And many of the customs associated with its celebration are originally coming from this country, such as the used of decorated eggs and the Easter bunny.
Also, most kids get a two weeks holiday from school at Easter and you can see family and friends walking together outside at this time of year, enjoying the new warmth.
Easter Decorations
Many of Easter decorations used in Germany, and that the Germans brought with them while emigrating into other countries, come directly from the pagan Frühlingfest's (Spring festival) symbols of fertility such as the Ostereier (Easter eggs) and the Osterhasen (Easter bunnies).
But Germany has kept a few customs for itself only, such as the "Osterbaum" (the Easter Tree) and the "Osterbrunnen" (Easter Fountain).
The Osterbaum
These Easter trees can be made of branches from flowering bushes or of small living trees and bushes and are decorated with hand painted wooden eggs, hollowed out real eggs and little wreaths.
It brings a splash of colour in an otherwise often grey season, giving the towns' squares and streets a joyful air.
The Osterbrunnen
The Franconia region of Germany (Franken in German) is the only place where you will find the custom of the Easter fountain (or well). It is an old tradition celebrating the life giving water and it is believe that the water blessed on Easter Sunday morning has special powers.
Throughout the year, hollowed out eggs are collected, hand painted and string together to make colourful garlands that will be used to decorate the village's fountain. Arches and crowns, usually placed at the tip of the fountain, are also made of evergreen branches decorated with a eggs, little rabbits and roosters or hens. All these decorations on the fountain make the town centre a very colourful and festive sight, specially with the vendors' stalls around it on Saturday's Market before Easter.
Frohe Ostern! Happy Easter!
Hélène Dompierre is a Pastry Chef, Journalist and a Traveler who loves discovering new places and food, and experience other cultures!
She lived in Canada, Australia and Germany. Traveled in USA, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Australia, North Africa and Japan. She traveled alone or with her family. And can't see herself ever stopping! She is also the web-master of Journey to Germany, a web-site aimed at helping people to discover Germany. Using her own family's experience at moving into a new country, she created this web-site as a practical guide to relocate more easily in Germany.
Also, most kids get a two weeks holiday from school at Easter and you can see family and friends walking together outside at this time of year, enjoying the new warmth.
Easter Decorations
Many of Easter decorations used in Germany, and that the Germans brought with them while emigrating into other countries, come directly from the pagan Frühlingfest's (Spring festival) symbols of fertility such as the Ostereier (Easter eggs) and the Osterhasen (Easter bunnies).
But Germany has kept a few customs for itself only, such as the "Osterbaum" (the Easter Tree) and the "Osterbrunnen" (Easter Fountain).
The Osterbaum
These Easter trees can be made of branches from flowering bushes or of small living trees and bushes and are decorated with hand painted wooden eggs, hollowed out real eggs and little wreaths.
It brings a splash of colour in an otherwise often grey season, giving the towns' squares and streets a joyful air.
The Osterbrunnen
The Franconia region of Germany (Franken in German) is the only place where you will find the custom of the Easter fountain (or well). It is an old tradition celebrating the life giving water and it is believe that the water blessed on Easter Sunday morning has special powers.
Throughout the year, hollowed out eggs are collected, hand painted and string together to make colourful garlands that will be used to decorate the village's fountain. Arches and crowns, usually placed at the tip of the fountain, are also made of evergreen branches decorated with a eggs, little rabbits and roosters or hens. All these decorations on the fountain make the town centre a very colourful and festive sight, specially with the vendors' stalls around it on Saturday's Market before Easter.
Frohe Ostern! Happy Easter!
Hélène Dompierre is a Pastry Chef, Journalist and a Traveler who loves discovering new places and food, and experience other cultures!
She lived in Canada, Australia and Germany. Traveled in USA, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Australia, North Africa and Japan. She traveled alone or with her family. And can't see herself ever stopping! She is also the web-master of Journey to Germany, a web-site aimed at helping people to discover Germany. Using her own family's experience at moving into a new country, she created this web-site as a practical guide to relocate more easily in Germany.
