Easter auf Deutsch

Maundy Thursday here is called Gruendonnerstag (Green Thursday/Mourning Thursday). Many people think that the word "gruen" stands for the color, and think it has to do with eating only greens/veggies. Probably because so many 'religious' people fast from meat this last week, or during Lent as a whole. So where does it really come from? It derives from the ancient German word "greinen," meaning "to cry or moan." Which makes sense since it's the day of Jesus' betrayal.

By the way: The word 'Maundy' comes from the latin word 'Mandatum' meaning commandment and Christians remember Jesus' famous commandment to his disciples to "Love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12 This is the night where, before his betrayal, Jesus washes his disciples feet to demonstrate this kind of servant love.

Good Friday is called Karfreitag. This means 'Mourning Friday'. And that is what the disciples did on that day—they mourned. They thought all was lost. You can read the chronological events of Maundy Thursday on through Jesus' ascension in the book of Luke, chapters 22-end of 24.

Today we will attend a Tenebrae service. Lights are gradually reduced throughout the service until, at the end, the last candle is blown out and a loud bang (symbolizing the earthquake that happened after Jesus died) is heard. You then leave the church in silence.