Srecan Uskrs! Happy Easter! Frohe Ostern! Glad Pask!
At Easter time, in England, eggs, chocolate eggs and chocolate Easter bunnies are exchanged. Also, people exchange small gifts like money, chocolate, clothes, etc. The homes are decorated with Easter baskets full of eggs and daffodil flowers. There is also a tradition of decorating an Easter hat and the best hat contest. The Easter bunny is the integral part of English Easter traditions. Legend has it that the Easter bunny hides the eggs in the house, and then on Easter day the children hunt for the eggs and sweets.
In Germany, big Easter fires are lit on Easter day (Ostern). These fires symbolize the arrival of spring, and the fire and smoke are believed to keep the negative thoughts and feelings away. People gather to see the fire burning. Another tradition observed in Germany is making an Easter tree which is decorated with eggs. In the past, there was a custom where young women would present their suitors with red eggs.
In Swedish, Easter is called Paskdagen. As everywhere else, the main symbol is the egg, the symbol of resurrection and new life. Every home throws a party in which people gather to colour the eggs. On Maundy Thursday, children dress up as “Easter witches” and go from door to door, giving Easter cards and getting sweets or coin in return.
These are the traditions observed in various countries, and we, at Patuljak, have a tradition of throwing an Easter Garden Party, a party where we all gather and spend the whole day together in various activities. That’s the favourite day of all students at Patuljak because on that day we colour eggs, we make various toys, have music quizzes, watch films and many other things. You can find out more about the Easter Garden Party here, and we are inviting you to join us on Thursday, 9th April, at Patuljak. See you!