Book Description
Describes common religious customs and traditions related to Easter and Holy Week observations that have their origins in Germanic culture. Defines the significance of the days of Holy Week, including Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday, as well as the customs and folklore associated with each day. Traces the origins of various Easter symbols to pre-Christian Germanic folklore and post-Reformation religious edicts. Describes how German immigrant groups, such as the Pennsylvania Dutch, brought these customs and beliefs to America in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.