Caden's first Easter was great. Collin gave the sermon at church this morning on the prophesies and resurrection of Christ. He did a wonderful job. We went to lunch with some friends after church and have had a great day.
Today is also my precious Grandmother Dot's birthday. She is 86 years old today. I wish we were in Texas to celebrate with her. Happy Birthday Grandmother Dot!
Because this is Caden's first Easter, I decided to do some research to see how Germans celebrate this day, particularly in regards to their children. I wanted to know if the Easter Bunny visits Germany. In the States children line up at the mall to talk to the Easter Bunny much like they do Santa Claus. They also have Easter egg hunts and parades. In Deutschland you will find neither the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus at the mall. However, many children decorate eggs, have Easter egg hunts, and get a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Interestingly, the tradition of the Easter Bunny or Easter Hare originated in Germany. Der Osterhase or Oschter Haws was the first white Easter Hare and was first recorded in Germany in the 1500s. Der Osterhase didn't come to the United States until the 1700s. It wasn't until the 20th century that the Easter Hare became known as the Easter Rabbit and then later the Easter Bunny.
Children traditionally made nests the night before Easter for der Osterhase from their caps and bonnets and left them outside in a safe place. Der Osterhase would leave colorful eggs inside their nests while the children were sleeping.
We helped Caden make a nest for der Osterhase (the Easter Bunny) out of shredded paper. We also left a little Easter basket out for him. This morning the nest was filled with some colorful eggs and his basket was filled with a stuffed bunny, baby carrots, some baby treats, and three books. Caden also went on an Easter egg hunt in our living room and found some eggs. He had a great time.
Caden's first Easter nest and basket
What is this?
I think I'd rather play with this paper
Or maybe we can read this book
I'm loving this!
Caden hunting Easter eggs
Our neighbor's Easter tree. Many Germans hang Easter eggs from their trees like you see here.
1 comment:
very interesting! I'm glad you had a nice Easter!
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