Totensonntag
Totensonntag (Sunday of the Dead), also called Ewigkeitssonntag (Eternity Sunday) is a German religious holiday observed mainly in Lutheran churches.
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[edit] History
In 1816, King Frederick William III of Prussia made his cabinet pass a decree[1] that stated all Lutheran churches in the areas under Prussian rule had to observe the last Sunday before Advent as a "general celebration in memorial of the deceased". Other churches outside of Prussia followed, eventually, as well.
[edit] Special protection
Totensonntag is a protected holiday in all German states. The holiday laws of all federal states, with the exception of Hamburg, have special provisions, classifying Totensonntag either as a memorial day or a "silent day" which implies special restrictions.[2] Depending on the state, music may not be played in public venues or only at certain hours.
[edit] Further reading
- Karl-Heinrich Bieritz: Das Kirchenjahr. Feste, Gedenk- und Feiertage in Geschichte und Gegenwart; Beck’sche Reihe, 447; München: Beck, 20054; ISBN 3-406-47585-X
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ RGG, 3. Aufl.; Band VI Spalte 957
- ^ "§ 2(1)III Gesetz über Sonntage, Feiertage, Gedenktage und Trauertage vom 16. Oktober 1953". Retrieved 2009-11-21.
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