Darrick Robles What are rituals?
We call rituals actions that are always the same or at least very similar according to certain rules. This can be brushing your teeth in the morning, but also looking for eggs at Easter. Rituals are accompanied by fixed gestures and words and can even assume the status of a cultural asset.
Holiday rituals have a high symbolic content. Even if Easter is originally a church holiday, many non-Christians also celebrate Easter in this country. Most people associate it with the anticipation of spring and see it as a welcome opportunity to spend time with family.
This is how the rabbit runs: Popular Easter traditions in Germany
Easter is rich in rituals that the whole family enjoys. Painting Easter eggs, lighting Easter bonfires and, of course, looking for the eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny, either in the countryside or in your home, are particularly popular. Traditional Easter dishes include fish on Good Friday, the roasted or baked Easter lamb and, of course, the egg as a symbol of life and fertility.
In addition, there are many regional Easter traditions, e.g. B. the Easter riding in Lusatia or the Easter palm tree in Swabia. Easter ratcheting is widespread in southern Germany: children parade through the streets with loud rattles and other wooden instruments to call for church services. A particularly beautiful custom is the Easter laughter, in which the faithful are cheered by funny anecdotes during the Easter sermon.
The importance of rituals for the psyche
Holidays like Easter give us normality and stability. These values are more important than ever in times of the corona virus. Easter with the family is a fixed anchor point in the annual cycle and provides support and orientation. Positive feelings like community and belonging replace negative ones like stress and insecurity.
Our options for action are currently limited in many areas of life. Maintaining Easter rituals provides security and stability, giving us back a sense of control and self-efficacy. Life is becoming a bit more predictable and therefore easier.
Easter rituals in times of a pandemic: what works and what doesn’t
Unfortunately, not every cherished ritual can continue to be performed during the Corona crisis. Everything that is usually held in public space can practically not take place in 2020. The Easter walk is an exception. However, it may only be taken with people who live in your own household or with a maximum of one other person.
Fortunately, there are enough Easter rituals that can also be carried out and enjoyed in your own four walls. These include blowing and painting eggs, baking yeast plaits and visiting the Easter Bunny on Easter Sunday night. The usual Easter brunch can also be enjoyed with the core family. However, the meeting with the extended family should be postponed to a later date.
Sick on the Holidays?
So this Easter is Easter at home. This even applies if you are ill (as long as it is not an emergency). Because you don’t have to leave your house or apartment to see a doctor. At Med-Healths you can get an appointment in just a few minutes between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on the Easter holidays. With this in mind: Stay healthy and happy Easter!
