In a country where the freedom of religion is deeply enshrined in the constitution, there are many believers. Religion has a far-fetched history in German starting from 1545 when the Holy Roman Empire became dominant. In as much as Christianity dominates the country, everyone is entitled to their own religious beliefs as there is no state religion. However, there is a small percentage of Muslims and other affiliated religions which occupy only 4% of the religious people.
Main churches
The churches in Germany are split alongside the mainstream Christianity denominations. For instance, most churches in leading cities and towns will either be Lutheran Protestants, the Evangelical Church of Germany, or The Roman Catholic Church. In addition to that, finding a church near you in Germany should not be a problem as most religious centers have a listing on the internet.
Religious activities
The dominant religion in Germany is Christianity. The other significant population recognized practicing a different religion is a Muslim community. Therefore, just like their counterparts all over the world, Christians and Muslims in Germany engage in the following activities:
- Easter
Easter Sunday, celebrated on the 12th of April by Christians across the globe, is one of the most prominent religious events in Germany. On this day, Christians commemorate the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus for a whole weekend. They eat bread and wine as a symbol of Christ’s body and blood respectively to mark this memorable day. Ostersonntag, another name for the occasion in Germany, is marked by triumphant church activities and acts of charity around major cities and towns. The occasion begins with Palm Sunday, which is graced mainly by the Roman Catholic Church. Remember, this activity is a widely recognized occasion to the extent that in some states, schools have to close down for two weeks so that the children can celebrate with their parents. The event is widely symbolized with painted eggs which of course, go at hiked prices in the groceries.
- Christmas
Christmas is the most popular religious activity for not only the Christians in Germany but the entire world. This day is marked on the 25th of December every year, but preparations in Germany starts as early as November. However, it officially begins on the first Advent Sunday, where walnuts and apples symbolize the mood for the festive season. Germany spends Christmas Eve as a bigger holiday than Christmas day itself. In this activity, most people prefer to stay at home with their families and relatives while a few get involved in charitable activities. The main events run from 24th December up to around 31st when churches gather to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
- Ramadan
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Muslim calendar, where more than a billion Muslims all over the world fast from sunrise to sunset. The Muslims in Germany too love the idea of testing their patience, discipline and trust in faith by making sure they live up to what Ramadan expects. Muslims have been recognized as an official religious body in three states so far, among them Bremen. This day is later marked by intense ten nights of prayer and worship, where believers have it that it is the time when Angel Gabriel showed revelations to Prophet Muhammad.
Germany is a fun place to be! The people in the country don’t discriminate in terms of religion. You are entitled to whatever you want to believe. It is enshrined in the constitution.
