3/30/2007 - Easter

It's only just over a week away, and I've written entries on other Dutch (versions) of holidays, so I find it only fitting to add one about Easter. I doubt whether the way we celebrate Easter in the Netherlands differs much from the way in which mainstream America does, but there's only one way to find out, eh?

The Easter celebrations start on Good Friday. I'm not sure it's a public holiday these days, but I hardly ever do anything work-related on Fridays anyways. I know I won't be able to come online next Friday, because the library does shut its doors. Back in my schooldays, there have been times when it was a holiday, and days when it wasn't, but that would make sense if it fell close to the April 30-May 5 national holidays period (entries to follow), because those are the basis of a two-week school break. Also, for daytime programming involving the Easter-related religious movies, etc., I'd have to turn to foreign stations. Besides, the only thing you can usually tell it's Good Friday by, is movies about Jesus Christ on TV.

Saturday is certainly not a holiday. You'll find the crowds at the store a bit overwhelming, but I'm sure that's equally true for the States, and most of Europe. At night there might be some movies on TV about Christ (the 'Passion of the Christ' will be on for instance), but not on all stations.

On Easter Sunday, families usually have breakfast together, involving eggs, matzos, and Easter bread (a foot long, in the shape of an egg, full of raisins, and almond paste, covered with sugar, and enjoyed with cream butter). Kids may venture out in their quest for the most eggs before or after breakfast. One small difference with America being, that over here in Europe the Easter Bunny is an Easter Hare.

In the afternoon there are lots of movies for children and movies about Jesus Christ. Usually the old ones in daytime. At night the newer ones are on. Many people also go out to enjoy a performance of J.S. Bach's 'Matthew's Passion'. The most sensible people however, will notice that the weather is good, and will take the family for some quality time in nature.

A popular thing to do on Easter Monday is going to the so-called 'furniture boulevards', where furniture mega stores are clustered. These places usually offer half-decent meals, cookery classes, etc. on days like these. People who stay at home, will find that there are a lot of movies on TV, for their rapidly fattening kids to watch, all day long. The people who were sensible enough to spend Easter Sunday in nature, will feel inclined to do likewise on Easter Monday, although they may also choose to get together with the entire family.

3/30/2007 - Untitled Comment

Fascinating....and amusing too, especially the part about the fattening kids! We don't have an Easter Monday. Many stores are now open on Easter too now.

Edited by Fightingfemale on 3/30/2007 at 11:35 PM