Heilige Drei Könige is celebrated on 6th January. In some areas of Germany it is a public holiday.
The day celebrates the arrive of the three wise men from the east in Bethlehem. In the Evangelical Church it is known as Epihanias - similar to the English name of the day in some countries “Epiphany”.
On this day, groups of children known as Sternsinger go from door to door and sing a song or recite a poem or prayer. They then write in chalk above the door C+B+M and the number of the year with three crosses, eg. 20*C+M+B+08. These letters stand for the latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat, meaning “God protect this house”.
The Sternsinger also collect donations for childrens’ charities.
To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:
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Silvester is the last day of the year, 31st December, known in English as New Year’s Eve.
Many people hold or visit parties on this evening, others spend the evening with their families at home.
Popular things to eat on this evening are raclette and fondue. At midnight everyone goes out onto the streets and lets of fireworks to celebrate the New Year.
A long running television programme is the Silvesterstadl shown on the public broadcast ARD, which runs for about 4 hours and contains traditional folk music as well as sketches and interviews, many of which are connected with Silvester traditions.
The most well-known television programme on this day must, however, surely be Dinner for One - a 20-minute sketch with Freddie Frinten and May Warden which is shown every year on several channels which over the years has become a traditional part of Silvester viewing for a large part of the German population.
To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:
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The 25th and 26th of December are celebrated in Germany as 1. Weihnachtsfeiertag and 2. Weihnachtsfeiertag. These days are public holidays, a tradition that dates back to Martin Luther.
Unlike many English-speaking countries, presents are not exchanged on these days, as this happens on Heiligabend.
Instead, many families come together on these days and eat together. For example, couples with children will spend the 25th with one set of grandparents, and the 26th with their others.
To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:
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Heiligabend is 24th December, known in English as Christmas Eve.
On this day most businesses and shops close around lunchtime and people start to prepare for the evening.
Many families still decorate their Christmas trees in the afternoon. Traditionally the children are not allowed in the room when this happens. Then the Christkind comes before the children return and brings the Christmas presents.
The main Christmas meal is eaten later in the evening with many families going to Church beforehand.
To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:
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Christstollen is a traditional cake that is eaten at Christmas.
It takes the form of a rectangle or trapezium and is usually covered in icing sugar.
The main ingredients include raisins, sultanas, currants and citrus peel, but beyond that there a many variations, such as with marzipan, extra butter or nut.
Arguably the most famous version is the stollen from Dresden. This is made to a very strict recipe and the name “Dresdner Stollen” and it’s variants are protected.
To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:
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Nußknacker are a decorative form of nut crackers. Although they are usually able to crack nuts using their mouths, they are normally used as Christmas ornaments. They have the form of a person, such as a soldier in uniform.
Originating from the area around the Ore mountains they can have around 60 moving parts!
The figures inspired the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky.
To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:
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Glühwein is wine that has been spiced and heated up - although not boiled! It is drunk in winter during advent and as such is strongly associated with Christmas in Germany.
The main spices used are cinnamon, cloves, lemon and aniseed and both red and white wine can be used, although red wine is more common at the markets. It is also available ready-to-drink in bottles and cartons at supermarkets.
In English it is known as mulled wine.
To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:
(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)
Throughout December we will be publishing two German Words Explained podcasts each week. The extra podcasts will appear on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 24th and 31st.
Lebkuchen is a form a cake associated with Christmas. It is baked using honey and a number of spices and is known throughout Germany by a variety of names such as Pfefferkuchen and Magenbrot.
There are filled and unfilled versions, some covered in chocolate. It tastes similar to gingerbread.
To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:
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The Nikolaustag is celebrated each year on 6th December. Nikolaus, accompanied by his assistant Knecht Ruprecht, brings small presents to children who have hung up their stockings the night before. He also visits schools and kindergartens where he usually gives the children sweets.
Although other figures in the English-speaking world such as Santa Claus are also derived from the same Saint Nicholas, in Germany he is often portrayed as a bishop and wears a mitre. The chocolate figures associated with the day are, however, usually in the red and white associated with the Santa Claus figure.
To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:
(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)
