There is something about the yellow color that inspires me nowadays. It´s Springtime and outside is slowly becoming colorful again. Yellow has been the number one color for me during early days of Spring. I know that warm days are coming as soon as I see a buds coming out from the ground in our garden.
It signals growth, new beginning, and yes…a fresh start and during this time of Corona virus pandemic—Hope!
The Pandemic crisis have absolutely changed the way we are observing the Holy week and Easter here in Germany. For the record, there is still a strong measure forbidding any meeting more than 2 people and churches are still closed. The yearly Östernbrünnen and Östermarkt were also cancelled . I am still fond of my childhood experiences and how we celebrate the Lenten season way back in the Philippines compared here in Germany. By the way, I chose the color yellow for flowers as a subject of this post together with Ash Wednesday ( also known as Spy Wednesday and Crooked Wednesday) as a deviation of the subject of Corona pandemic. Yellow is such a beautiful color during this time and it really signifies Spring! Finally, winter is done and we can tidy up our winter stuff! I was sitting in the garden today and staring at our Forsythia bush which is gleaming yellow under the 24 degrees sunny day. I looked in the date and its Ash Wednesday.
What´s the significance of this day anyway?
The major highlight of this day is when Judas Iscariot hand over Jesus Christ to the authorities. In other words, the day of betrayal of a follower from his Master.Judas received 30 pieces of silver coins in exchange of this.
Ash Wednesday ( Ashenmittwoch) I was born and raised as a Catholic so for me, aside from Christmas season, Holy week is one of the holidays we are keen to celebrate. I remember that during Holy week, we always have fond memories as a family.As a kid, Holy week means vacation. Summer vacation normally starts around April and graduations in schools. When I came here in Germany, I have never seen the same and sometimes, I really wonder why. I never saw people having palm branches during Palm Sundays, nor people wearing ash during a mass in Churches, neither any procession during Good Friday. People seldom go to church.I am not a religious person but when it comes to religion, it´s a very silent topic here although I really admire the beautiful churches here.Last Christmas, I attended a Dutch mass in the Netherlands and I was really surprised that the kneeling section of the chairs have soft foam cushions!
Here in Germany, especially here in Bavaria, the only thing that shows that its Easter here is the Easter eggs and egg hunting for kids. The different varieties of chocolate eggs, Östermarkt ( Easter Market), Österhase ( Easter Bunny, where it should be a Hare).I don´t know with the other regions if they have such celebrations but as far as I know, I never heard of it.
With Corona virus and social distancing, these things are not possible. Crooked Wednesday is an ordinary day for some.Today was quite a beautiful day here and I observed the influx of people outside. Early morning today we walked through the nearby bakery and I saw that people are going out like a normal day. Cycling and on their skates, looks like everything is back to normal. Families taking a walk, with small children and having a chat with their neighbours. No masks, no hesitation.
I noticed how a great sunny weather changes suddenly the mood of the people.
Stay safe everyone!
justbluedutch 
Stay safe! Over here everyone is acting normal too
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Thank you sweet Mama!
I know i know…I am beginning to understand Europeans nowadays…:-))))
Everything looks normal and I think on the other side iht´s a good vibe.
Have a wonderful day!
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