Germany is home to some of the most charming and meaningful Easter traditions in Europe. With roots that stretch deep into both Christian beliefs and pre-Christian customs, German Easter traditions blend spirituality, folklore, and springtime celebration in ways that are both time-honored and joyful. Whether you're witnessing an Osterfeuer (Easter … [Read more...]

In some parts of Germany, mainly the south east of the country, children write to the Christkind/Christkindl asking for presents. The letters to the Christkind are decorated with sugar glued to the envelope to make them sparkly and attractive to look at. Children leave the letters on the windowsill at the beginning of or during Advent. "Das … [Read more...]

There is nothing so awe-inspiring in the pre-Christmas time as visiting Christkindlmarkt, the German Christmas market. Every town has its own little "Christkindlmarkt", which is a market-fest, where people gather to enjoy the Christmas time. These Christmas markets offer baked goods, sweets and toys and feature local and regional specialties. … [Read more...]

In Germany the time from December 1st to December 24th is called "Adventszeit", which means the time before Christmas Eve. Parents give their children Advent calendars that count down the days. Every day in December they can open one of the doors and receive either a small chocolate in the shape of a star, a tree, or a little toy. These calendars … [Read more...]

The first appearance of a Christmas tree - Tannenbaum - was recorded in 1605 in Strasburg, and the record said that "...people set up Christmas trees in their rooms...". Another record of that time coming from Ammerschweier, said that "... no burgher shall have for Christmas more than one bush of more than eight shoes' length...". The decorations … [Read more...]

Christmas is coming, bright and sparkling, and we put together several articles that make up a collection of festive stories. In this article we will get acquainted with German Christmas traditions and customs, history of Christmas tree, traditional German Christmas markets, Advent - Christmas calendar that originated from Germany, and Christ Child … [Read more...]

On the morning of 6 January, the sound of children’s voices echoes through many German towns and villages. Dressed in crowns and robes, they carry a shining star and sing carols from door to door. They are the Sternsinger - the “Star Singers” - and they bring blessings, chalk-marked doorways, and the joyful conclusion of the Christmas season. Their … [Read more...]

The Day of St. Thomas, celebrated on December 21, is also the day of the winter solstice, the year's longest night and shortest day. St. Thomas is commemorated on this day because he was the last one of the apostles to become convinced of Jesus' resurrection -- he was the one who for the longest time remained in the "night of unbelief and doubt." … [Read more...]

St. Lucia's Day, otherwise called The Festival of Lights, is celebrated on December 13, a week after St. Nikolaus' Day. Lucia became the "Nikolaus of the women". In the early times, St. Nikolaus brought the gifts to the boys only, and St. Lucia visited girls with the gifts a week later. In some areas Lucia became the Christchild with the candle … [Read more...]