God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers. Proverb Mother's day celebration in Germany takes place on the second Sunday of May. However, if this day happens to be the Pentecost (Pfingstsonntag) – the Christian festival for celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit (held on the 7th Sunday following Easter) - then Mother’s Day is … [Read more...]
Maundy Thursday – Gründonnerstag
Also known as Holy Thursday, Maundy Thursday has been celebrated since the earliest days of the Christian Church. It commemorates Jesus' last supper with his disciples and the institution of the Lord's Supper and established the ceremony known as the Eucharist. The night of Maundy Thursday is the night on which Jesus was betrayed by Judas in the … [Read more...]
Krampus – the Dark Side of St. Nicholas
Krampus, whose name is derived from the German word Krampen, meaning pickaxe, is said to be the son of Hel in Norse mythology. Originally, Krampus was a purely pagan creation, said to be the son of Hel from Norse mythology. But he got grafted onto Christian tradition as a sidekick of St. Nicholas. The legendary beast also shares characteristics … [Read more...]
Oktoberfest Traditions
Oktoberfest is often associated with beer, but the festival's traditions go beyond that. While the beer tents, of course, provide drinks, they also play only traditional Bavarian music. The original six Munich breweries still provide the beer. You can also catch people in traditional Bavarian clothing, dirndls and lederhosen. Here are some … [Read more...]
Good Friday – Karfreitag
Many people in Germany mark the crucifixion of Jesus by participating in church services and processions on Good Friday (Karfreitag), which is two days before Easter Sunday. For others, it is the start of a long weekend and possibly a spring vacation. Good Friday is a public holiday in all German states. Post offices, banks, stores and other … [Read more...]
Pfingsten – Pentecost in Germany
Pentecost is a religious holiday in Germany to mark the Holy Spirit's descent on Jesus' followers. Many local and regional customs are also associated with Pentecost Sunday, which is also known as Whitsunday. The dove often symbolizes the Holy Spirit, who is believed to have descended on to Jesus' followers. Pentecost marks this … [Read more...]
Easter Monday – Ostermontag
Easter Monday (Ostermontag) is an annual public holiday in Germany that follows Easter Sunday, which remembers Jesus Christ's resurrection, according to Christian belief. It is observed with various local customs. These include early morning candle-lit parades, walks in the countryside and egg races. Egg races (Eierlauf) are held in some … [Read more...]
Christmas traditions 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...]
German Christmas Carols
The following are the complete German texts of some of the most popular German Christmas carols. Most English versions of "Silent Night" include just three verses. These correspond to a translation from the original text of verses 1, 6 and 2, in that order. Next to the German text below is a direct translation into English. The intent here is not … [Read more...]
Halloween: Trick or Treat?
Trick or Treat? Treat!!! November... Cold biting wind is howling outside the window, the pale moon is swimming above the naked trees, and one can almost see all kinds of broom-riding witches and foggy ghosts in the dark... Isn't it the best party time for Halloween?!? Halloween party will not be Halloween party without great costumes and … [Read more...]
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