Well it is almost that time of year so the latest German Culture article covers:


EASTER IN GERMANY - THE RABBIT, EGG AND OSTARA

Egg rolling is a game nowadays, however it first began as a way to transfer the fertility of the eggs into the ground and so ensure a good harvest.

Stories and beliefs around the Egg, the Hare and Ostara are interwoven in Germany’s Easter celebrations, a mixture of History, Easter symbols and Pagan and Christian tradition.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art175877.asp


Easter in Germany begins on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter which this year is 1st April, and Palm Sunday, der Palmsonntag, gets its name from the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (der Einzug Jesu in Jerusalem) when palm branches were strewn before him.

And there is more about all the traditions, festivities and 'food' here:

Easter in Germany - Eggs and Easter Trees
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art19981.asp

Easter in Germany - Customs and Tradition, (religious, folk and secular)
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art47722.asp

Easter in Germany - Recipes for 'Green Thursday'
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art12604.asp



germanculture.bellaonline.com has content covering many aspects of German Culture and a forum

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=247

Would love to hear any comments or questions you might have, either in the forum or via emai.



Francine McKenna,
German Culture Editor

http://germanculture.bellaonline.com