Do you give Easter gifts to your loved ones? We Latvians usually don’t. But, as it turns out, even after a decade of living in Germany the country and its customs can surprise me. As I wrote about German Easter traditionslast year:
While in my childhood Easter egg hunting meant scouring our gardenfor actual eggs, German childrenfill their baskets with egg- and bunny-shaped treatsfrom the finestchocolates and marzipan. (I’m still wondering how and when the chocolate industry managed to pull that one off…)
I was even more bewildered to discover that, in many German families, the diligent Easter bunny brings much more than just sweets. In direct competition with Nikolaus and Father Christmas, he’s also bringing gifts! Search the internet for “Ostergeschenke” and you’ll be showered with suggestions that range from books to bicycles.
Reading this left me wondering: why is Easter a big gift-giving occasion here in Germany?! It makes no sense to me. So I decided to investigate.
Why do Germans give Easter gifts?
From what I can discern based on various sources, the original Easter gifts were coloured Easter eggs. In Christianity, eggs symbolize new life and the resurrection of Jesus. From a more practical standpoint, eggs were among the forbidden foods during Lent, resulting in a considerable stockpile of eggs that needed to be consumed quickly come Easter. Apparently, in the Middle Ages coloured eggs were gifts given to the church, the local authorities, or the poor.
It was not before the early 20th century, that coloured eggs became popular as Easter gifts for children. Over the years, in many countries real eggs have been gradually replaced by egg-shaped treats made of chocolate, marzipan, and other yummy ingredients.
Judging from online discussion forums, the German tradition of adding other gifts to the sweet Easter treats is only a few decades old. That said, it appears to be an upwards trend with families spending more money on Easter gifts.
This makes me wonder: is the trend to gift more than just egg-shaped candy a sign that Easter is becoming increasingly commercialized?
If Easter offers of online stores are any indication, the answer is a definite yes. People are certainly encouraged to spend more on theirEaster gifts. At the same time, most of my German acquaintances are firmly against giving lavish Easter gifts. And our family? I suppose it’s a question we’ll leave for next year.
Do YOU give Easter gifts?
Read more about Easter in Germany:
German Easter – Decorations, Food & Traditions
The Easter Chocolate Extravaganza
Easter is approaching, and once again we are excited to take you on a tour of the world and how it celebrates Easter! Explore the diverse traditions of Easter with us, and don’t miss our series from last year, or from 2016 or 2015. You also will enjoy this wonderful overview of global Easter traditions. Find these posts and more on our Easter Around the World Pinterest board:
Follow Multicultural Kid Blogs’s board Easter Around the World on Pinterest.
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FAQs
Why do Germans give Easter gifts? From what I can discern based on various sources, the original Easter gifts were coloured Easter eggs. In Christianity, eggs symbolize new life and the resurrection of Jesus.
Do Germans give gifts for Easter? ›
The custom of going out at Easter in search of eggs and small gifts supposedly hidden by the Easter Bunny has been happening in Germany since the 17th century. Sometimes, the sweets and chocolates are hidden in small rabbit-shaped toys.
What do Germans traditionally do on Easter? ›
In Germany, the Easter tradition is celebrated with family and friends, while looking forward to the approaching summertime. Eggs also express friendship - hiding them, searching them and eating them is as much a part of Easter as the Easter Bunny. It is said that some people abstain from eating eggs during Lent.
What is the story behind the German Easter Bunny? ›
According to German tradition, the Easter Bunny, or “Osterhase,” was believed to be a mythical creature that laid colorful eggs for children to find on Easter Sunday. This tradition likely evolved from the pagan belief in the hare as a symbol of fertility and renewal.
What is the gift giving etiquette in Germany? ›
Give gifts to each person individually: If you're giving gifts to a group of people, make sure to give each person their own individual gift. Don't expect immediate opening of gifts: In German culture, it's common to wait until later to open gifts, rather than opening them immediately in front of the giver.
What is a traditional German gift? ›
All the wonderful nutcrackers, incense smokers (smokermen), wooden Christmas Schwibbogen (Light Arch, Candle Arch) and wooden music boxes that come from the Erzgebirge have brought fun and joy to lovers of Original German gifts.
Why do people give gifts on Easter? ›
Regardless of cultural variations, giving Easter baskets is a universal expression of love, generosity, and goodwill. It is a time-honored tradition that brings families and communities together, fostering a sense of unity and shared celebration.
How do Germans say happy Easter? ›
When you want to wish someone a happy Easter in German, “Frohe Ostern” is your go-to phrase.
Why do Germans have bonfires at Easter? ›
German regions
The fires were supposed to help chase the darkness and winter away. It was also a symbol of fertility, which works in a literal sense in that the ashes were scattered over the meadows and thereby fertilized the soil. Another possible origin of the Easter fire is that of St.
What is the German Easter folklore? ›
The actual Easter bunny legend is rooted in German tradition. A legend holds that a poor woman living in Germany decorated colorful eggs for her children to find in the garden. As soon as the hidden eggs were found by the children, a large hare was seen hopping away. The children thought the hare (Hase) left the eggs.
There's no mention of the Easter Bunny in the Bible of course, so its origins aren't necessarily religious.
What do Germans call the Easter Bunny? ›
Did you know that The Easter Bunny (Osterhase) originated in Germany? The Easter hare, or Osterhase, as an Easter symbol seems to have its origins in Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1500s.
What do Germans eat for Easter dinner? ›
Traditionally, the meat is roasted lamb, served with asparagus, potatoes, and a salad. Of course, other meats can be served. As a treat, we usually had rouladen and potato dumplings, served along with spring peas and carrots. After dinner, it's time to enjoy this Osterlammkuchen, Easter lamb cake.
What is a German good luck gift? ›
Lucky Charms
Instead, they're often small figurines shaped like mushrooms, pigs, and birds. More traditional luck symbols, like horseshoes and four-leaf clovers, are also popular gifts.
What are stereotypical German gifts? ›
A: Some unique gift ideas from Germany include cuckoo clocks, beer steins, traditional German clothing like dirndls and lederhosen, and handcrafted wooden items.
What is the gift law in Germany? ›
Tax free inheritance and gift limit in Germany
In case of unlimited tax liability, the following tax free gift limits apply: Spouse and life partner (Tax Class I): 500,000 Euros. Children (Tax Class I): 400,000 Euros. Grandchildren (Tax Class II): 200,000 Euros.
What is the Easter package in Germany? ›
The Easter Package is set to reshape German energy law, triggering extensive changes to the German Energy Industry Act (Energiewirtschaftsgesetz, EnWG), the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz, EEG) and the German Offshore Wind Energy Act (Windenergie-auf-See-Gesetz, WindSeeG).
Are gifts expected in Germany? ›
A gift is expected if you have been invited to a German home for dinner or as a guest while working in Germany. A coffee table book, high-quality wine, or a small token from your home country are good choices to thank your hosts for having you if you are staying over.
What is the German Easter basket tradition? ›
As I wrote about German Easter traditions last year: While in my childhood Easter egg hunting meant scouring our garden for actual eggs, German children fill their baskets with egg- and bunny-shaped treats from the finest chocolates and marzipan.
