Story and photos by U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden

Easter time is associated with the beginning of spring and new life in Germany. Several Easter traditions have to do with banishing the winter and welcoming spring.

However, before Easter Sunday, the church bells fall silent to remember the time of Christ’s suffering and death. According to the legend, they fly to Rome to be blessed by the Pope, but will be back the night before Easter Sunday to celebrate Christ’s resurrection.

On Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday, many people in Germany abstain from meat and dancing and going out in commemoration of Jesus.