Christmas in Germany
The 24th of december is coming closer and closer. Even when there will be
probably no white christmas, still there a lot of things that unleash Christmas
feelings. I would like to show you this certain things that unleash Christmas
feelings in Germany.
First of all Germans like to prepare. There is a very famous idiom that
says: “Provision is the best concern.”. The first and probably the biggest
preparation is the Christmas Market. Starting in the beginning of November,
Christmas Markets have a lot to offer. From delicious hot wine to children
attractions and roasted nuts, Christmas Markets are broadly equipped. The roots
from these cozy places lay in the 15th century where merchants started to sell
around Christmas their goods at the market square. This went on to a tradition
and is now a place where the whole city can enjoy a wonderful time.
The second
important ritual is a advent wreath. Originally invented from a protestant
priest in the 19th century in Hamburg the advent wreath developed to a
important tradition. The Priest was the founder of a homeless shelter for kids
and these kids asked him often when Christmas exactly is. That's why he
invented a advent wreath with 24 candles for each day. Through time the number
of candles were reduced to four candles and is usually rich of decoration.
Nowadays four weeks before Christmas every Sunday you light one candle from the
wreath. Sundays are then usually days where the family come together, enjoy the
time and make some Christmas cookies, too.
This brings me to the third well
known Christmas preparation. Christmas Cookies are delicious and very important
to spread the Christmas atmosphere. There are a lot of varieties which you can
buy or make on your own.
The fourth important preparation is the Christmas
tree. Some areas decorate it on the 24th of December and some others even
before. In the medieval times the Christmas tree was used in churches to
remember the tree of knowledge from the paradise and the fall of man, because
Adam ate a apple from it. Nevertheless it remembers at the same time that Jesus
released us from these sins as well. That’s why Christmas trees were usually
decorated with apples and a wooden snack until the 19th century. Apparently
this changed and the Christmas trees are nowadays prevalent with ceramic balls
or angles. Angles are often found in Christmas crèches. This is a wooden
exhibition from Jesus birth and the whole Christmas story. This shows your
faith in god and your ecclesiastical connection.
This all unleash a lot of
Christmas feelings and sums up the most important Christmas preparation steps.
The 24th is Christmas eve, the main event and shows if you put enough effort
into the preparation. Normally we start the 24th december with a mass.
Apparently is Christmas the most visited day for churches in Germany. Then you
go home and if you are a protestant Santa Claus pays you a visit. Santa Claus
only gives you your presents if you have been polite. In addition, you have to
tell a little poem that proofs your good behavior. Catholics have the
mysterious Christmas angel that brings the presents. However if the rite is
over the whole family is eating together a big dinner. On the 25th and the 26th
you have plenty of time to enjoy the togetherness of your family.
I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a lot of presents from Santa or the
Christmas angel.
Kind regards,
Freddy
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