Celebrating Pfingsten in GermanyPfingsten (Pentecost) is a public holiday in Germany. Weekend festivals and picnics are the way to celebrate.Pfingsten is celebrated seven weeks after Easter (May 23-24 in 2010) and is also called Whit Sunday and Whit Monday. 
Throughout Germany, the celebrations take on many forms. Often these are candlelit processions. First and foremost, this is a Christian celebration that remembers the Holy Spirit being poured out upon the followers of Jesus.Huge parades with horses and bands are held in Eastern Bavaria. The medieval towns of Rothenburg and Schwaebisch Hall have elaborate festivals. Frankfurt's festival is celebrated in the woods. Pfingstbaumpflanzen (wreaths) decorate birch trees in Lower Saxony. Because the birch tree is just starting to leaf, tradition as single women finding a birch branch nailed to their side of the house from their secret admirer. In North Rhine-Westphalia, large wreaths (Pfingstenkranz) are placed in the town squares. These wreath structures are about 30 feet high. Around these the . 
In Southern Germany, the tradition in the rural mountain villages is to decorate the prize cattle and lead them through the streets. How to celebrate? Since it is in late spring, the weather is usually warm. This makes picnics the ideal treat. So, pull out your picnic menus -- and enjoy the great outdoors! Subscribe to our free Quick Fix ezine filled with recipes, updates, etc. Spring Picnic Ideas:Easy German Potato Salad - traditional, but so easy!Cucumber Salad - creamy, dilly, and sweet Quick Meatloaf - delicious cold! Rhubarb Dump Cake - Spring-time delicious! Best Oatmeal Cookies - a real treat to take along. Send in your favorite Spring picnic ideas!
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