Easter Monday (Ostermontag) is an annual public
holiday in Germany that follows Easter Sunday, which remembers Jesus
Christ's resurrection, according to Christian belief. It is observed
with various local customs. These include early morning candle-lit
parades, walks in the countryside and egg races.
Is Easter Monday a Public Holiday?
Easter Monday is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
The customs on egg races vary during Easter time in Germany.
©iStockphoto.com/René Mansi
What Do People Do?
People in some areas, especially southern Germany, go out for a candle-lit parade (Emmausgang) early in the morning to remember the walks that Jesus made after his crucifixion and resurrection. The parades end with a church service. People who do not join the parade may travel to the countryside for a walk and to enjoy the spring surroundings later in the day. Processions or walks through fields of winter crops may be held in rural areas to mark the symbolic end of the winter and the start of the spring.Egg races (Eierlauf) are held in some villages. The customs on egg races vary. Some are children's events where children race with eggs (or potatoes) on spoons. The children run to the finish line as quickly as possible with the egg still on the spoon. Other events are for young men to prove their readiness to marry. These eggs are rolled down hills and the men chase after them. The winner is the man who gets to the bottom of the hill first.
