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Easter Sunday in Switzerland, as in many Christian countries, is a significant religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament. It falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox, which means it can occur anytime between March 22 and April 25.
Switzerland has a rich tapestry of customs due to its multilingual and multicultural makeup. Easter traditions often blend Christian practices with pre-Christian spring celebrations.
Eggs: Decorated eggs are a central symbol of Easter in Switzerland, representing new life and resurrection. Families often dye and paint eggs on Good Friday.
Easter Trees: Branches or small trees decorated with painted eggs (Ostereierbaum) are common, symbolizing the spring awakening.
Cuckoo Calls: In some Swiss regions, children go from house to house making cuckoo calls and receive colored eggs, pastries, or small amounts of money.
Easter Cakes and Breads: Traditional Easter cakes like the 'Osterfladen' (a tart made with rice or semolina pudding) are popular. In Italian-speaking regions, 'Colomba pasquale', a dove-shaped Easter bread is common.
Church Services: Many Swiss attend church services on Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection. These services often include special music and hymns.
Family Meals: Families gather for festive meals featuring spring ingredients like lamb and fresh vegetables alongside traditional dishes such as ham and potatoes.
Easter Egg Hunts: Children participate in egg hunts (Ostereiersuche) where they search for chocolate eggs hidden by a mythical figure akin to the Easter Bunny called 'Osterhase' in German-speaking regions.
Outdoor Activities: As Easter falls during springtime when nature is blooming, Swiss families often take advantage of the milder weather to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or picnicking.
The blend of religious observance with local customs makes Easter Sunday a diverse experience across different Swiss cantons reflecting their unique cultural heritages.