Easter Monday

Easter Monday History

Easter Monday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, highlighting the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated worldwide, this observance embodies various regional customs and traditions significant to the Christian communities. In Germany, Easter Monday is a public holiday, symbolising the close of the Easter period and featuring distinctive celebrations that bind people in their shared faith and heritage.

Introduced by the early Church, Easter Monday commemorated the journey of Cleopas and his companion to the village of Emmaus, where they recognized the resurrected Jesus. This recognition forms the essence of the Easter Monday celebrations. In Germany, the holiday integrates age-old traditions like Easter egg races, where children roll beautifully decorated, hard-boiled Easter eggs down grassy hills. "Emmaus walks" also feature prominently - leisurely outings to the countryside, parks, or local attractions that mirror the original journey to Emmaus.

Easter Monday in Germany is a day of rest and religious contemplation, following the festivities of Easter Sunday. It is often marked by outdoor activities, like the traditional egg races and the Emmaus walks. Church services, though less formal, continue the Easter narrative with storytelling and song. The observance falls on the day after Easter Sunday, which is the first Monday following the Paschal Full Moon (the first full moon after the Spring Equinox). This means Easter Monday can occur any time between March 23 and April 26.

Top facts about Easter Monday

• The Paschal full moon dictates the date of Easter every year. The Paschal full moon, in the Gregorian Calendar, means that Easter falls on the first full moon after the spring equinox, or March 21.
• Holy Week is the celebrated during the week leading up to Easter. It begins on Palm Sunday, continues on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and ends on Easter Sunday. Not all countries include Easter Monday into their Holy Weeks.
• Easter Monday in Germany is often a time for Emmaus walks, or religious pilgrimages. This tradition is based on the biblical account of Jesus' followers walking to the village of Emmaus on the day of his resurrection.
• Easter egg hunts, which are popular worldwide, have roots in Germany. The tradition was brought to America by German immigrants. With this tradition, children would search for eggs that were supposedly brought by the Easter hare.

In the News and Trending in Germany for Easter Monday

Easter Monday Top Things to Do

• If the weather permits, gather your friends and family for a picnic or outdoor barbecue. Enjoy some delicious food and engage in fun outdoor games or activities.
• Spread awareness on social media by using the hashtags #EasterMonday, #Easter, #Pascha and #EasterEggs.
• Many Germans spend Easter Monday outdoors. Hiking in the Black Forest, cycling along the River Rhine, or simply enjoying a picnic are wonderful ways to enjoy the day.
• In some parts of Germany, people light large bonfires on Easter Monday. This pagan tradition is a way to welcome the spring.