Ostern

Easter derives from the concept "Ostara" (Easter), "Eoastrae" or "Eostre", the Anglo-Saxon name of the teutonic Goddess of the morning redness. For Christians, the ressurrection of Jesus is a central happening for their belief. His death is seen as a beginning of a new life rather than an end. The holiday coincides with the beginning of spring in Germany. Easter time lasts 50 days until pentecost. The holy/passion week and Easter Sunday are important days in the christian holiday calender. Passion Saturday is a day of mourning in remembrance of the Easter night. Easter Monday rounds off the Easter feast. Friday and Monday are public holidays. There are Easter egg hunts, picnics and outdoor activities. Many Germans use the weekend for a short spring vacation.