Easter

Easter is a fun time in Germany. Did you know that the Easter Bunny is German? His name is Hanni, and he lives in Ostereistedt (which translates as Easter Egg Town). Hanni even has an address, and he promises to write a letter to every boy or girl who takes the time to send a letter to him. Hanni delivers sweets and small treats to nests built by German boys and girls. The only country Hanni doesn't visit is France where magical bells, blessed by the Pope, ring on Easter morning scattering eggs and sweets.

Germans decorate trees with hand-painted blown eggs and often cut branches to bring in to the home. The branches are then decorated with blown eggs and other decorations. Bakeries are filled with easter-themed treats. Littlest liked a sweet bread in which a boiled, colored egg is placed in the center. Many Easter-themed items can be bought in the Easter markets.

One German town, Luegde, celebrates Easter by setting specially packed wooden wheels on fire and pushing them down a large hill. Nearly all towns light a special Easter fire, some using discarded Christmas trees.

My brother-in-law was with us during Easter weekend, but I didn't think to take a single picture! The kiddos opened our Resurrection eggs each day with excitement, though I'm sure a few pieces were lost this year.

On the hunt for treats!

The kiddos got a DS game, and here they are playing!

I hope to be able to find the bubbly chocolate in the U.S. Hanni seems to have bought his in the U.K. :)