When we hear the name of Albert Einstein, we mostly just think of two things: a) Genius of physics, b) E=mc2. But there is more to know about Albert Einstein than just that. Einstein was a theoretical physicist who developed the general theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics (alongside quantum mechanics). While best known … [Read more...]
November 13 in German History
November 13, 1486 Birth of Johann Eck (birth name Johann Maier) in Egg, Germany. Eck was ordained a Catholic priest in 1580 and attained the degree, Doctor of Theology in 1510. He then was appointed as professor of theology at the University of Ingolstadt. Eck was outraged at Luther's 95 Theses which he denounced as heresy in 1518. He … [Read more...]
St. Martin’s Day (Martinstag) – November 11
St. Martin sharing his cloak On the 11th day of the 11th month at exactly 11 minutes past 11 o'clock a.m. St. Martin's day is celebrated. It is mostly favored by youth and rural population. Martin, the bishop of Tours, lived in the 4th century. The soldier in his past, he was given this title due to his exemplary way of life. The best-known … [Read more...]
November 7 in German History
November 7, 1707 Birth of Johann Julius Hecker in Werden, Germany. It was he who developed the "Realschule", the track of secondary schools stressing practical education to parallel the classic educational schools. He opened the first "Realschule" in 1747 in Berlin. November 7, 1750 Birth of Friedrich Leopold Graf zu Stolberg-Stolberg. … [Read more...]
November 6 in German History
November 6, 1672 Death of Heinrich Schütz in Dresden, Germany. One of the most talented early German composers, Schütz was given the position of court composer in Dresden. Works by Schütz include Dafne, Musikalische Exequien, and Kleine geistliche Konzerte. November 6, 1771 Birth of Alois Senefelder in Prague, then Imperial city … [Read more...]
German Christmas tree or Tannenbaum
The first known Christmas tree was set up in 1419 in Freiburg by the town bakers, who decorated the tree with fruits, nuts, and baked goods, which the children were allowed to remove and eat on New Year's Day. So, German Christians were the first to bring the trees into their homes to decorate or use a Christmas pyramid made of wood in areas where … [Read more...]
Christmas Markets and Advent in Germany
Christmas market in Frankfurt No one does Christmas quite like Germany. Its festive holiday season kicks off at the end of November and runs up until the beginning of January, and includes traditional cookies and cakes like Lebkuchen and Pfeffernüsse sold in stores and markets, decorative trees and wreaths filling public spaces, and picturesque old … [Read more...]
Christmas in Germany
Christmas (Weihnachten) is considered to be the most important of the major holidays in Germany. Not only the holiday itself, but also the weeks leading up to the celebration of Christmas involve many traditions and customs. Christmas preparations in Germany begin from 1st of December as people bake spiced cakes, gingerbread houses and cookies, … [Read more...]
October 28 in German History
October 28, 1017 Birth of the Holy Roman Emperor, Heinrich III, called the Black or the Pious, who was a member of the Salian Dynasty of Holy Roman Emperors. He was the eldest son of Conrad II of Germany and Gisela of Swabia. His father made him duke of Bavaria (as Heinrich VI) in 1026, after the death of Duke Heinrich V. On Easter Day … [Read more...]
October 25 in German History
October 25, 1760 Death of George II in London (born in Hanover). George II followed his father, George I as Elector of Hanover (Holy Roman Empire) and King of England. George II was born in Hanover, Germany like his father and grew up on the continent. Unlike his father, he learned English before he became king of England. A lover of music, he … [Read more...]