How to celebrate Christmas in Germany?Noisy, happy and fun, plunging headlong into a colorful whirlwind of Christmas fairs and concerts, singing hymns, meeting friends and acquaintances in the decorated streets and squares.Cozy and warm, a large family gathering at the table in his parents' house, where already waiting for roast goose and sweet Stollen.With a special Christmas party would expect children enthusiastically turning the morning found a well-dressed Christmas tree gifts from Santa Claus.Let us, too, will feel the magical atmosphere of German Christmas ...
religious dimension of the holiday
On the night of December 24 to 25 Catholic Christians around the world celebrate Christmas.In Germany, this date, in accordance with ancient tradition, is the culmination of a long period of preparation for the holiday, which begins as early as November.
ready for Christmas Germans taken four weeks.Catholics this period is called "Advent".It includes a day of confession, repentance, Holy Communion (for comparison: the Orthodox Nativity of Christ precedes the forty-day fast).
On Christmas midnight in Catholic churches begins a solemn service.Two more services are performed in the morning, at the dawn, and the day.They symbolize Christmas in the bosom of God the Father, in the womb of the Mother of God in the soul of every Christian.
morning of the next day put the whole family to gather at the festive table, rejoicing the birth of the Savior.
Christmas in Germany: the traditions and customs of the preparation for the holiday
Waiting holiday, according to residents of Germany, no less exciting and wonderful than Christmas itself.During Advent, the Germans decorate the trees and houses with lights and toys.On the streets, in shop windows and in the courts appear colorful "dens" - models of the caves where the Child Jesus was born, with the figures of the main characters of the Biblical legend.The doors of homes decorate wreaths with candles entwined with bright ribbons, and the windows and window sills are arranged and hung wooden figures, carefully transmitted within families from generation to generation.
in a conspicuous place in every home placed tree decked glass toys, balls and candles - without this tree with the star of Bethlehem at the top is hard to imagine Christmas in Germany.Traditions and customs are also required to decorate the room with miniature houses with lights, figurines and green trees.
In homes where there is a fireplace, be sure to hang around him special socks in the night that Santa Claus would have secretly spread out gifts.Also at the Catholic Christmas in Germany are very popular bright, colorful calendars with sweets and souvenirs for each of the days that remain before the holiday.
Christmas cucumber and carrot
small glass Christmas decorations - cucumber and carrot - entertaining symbols of Christmas in Germany, popular in some of its lands.
Cucumber adults hang on the spruce in the last turn, but out of sight, but rather to hide.On Christmas morning, the children race to embark on his quest.Finder toy awarded additional gifts.
As for carrots, this decoration usually give the bride.Taking his place on the tree, glass vegetable symbolizes fertility and prosperity in a young family.
Christmas Markets
famous Christmas sales season Germans proudly called "fifth season".It was then, and begin to celebrate Christmas in Germany.Date - the eleventh day of the eleventh month - supplemented by a mystical time - eleven hours and eleven minutes.At this point, officially opened the famous Christmas markets, the number of which Germany ahead of all other European states.
constant attribute of the German Christmas markets since the Middle Ages - the carousel, various fun contests and attractions, as well as roasted chestnuts and aromatic mulled wine, chocolate and delicious honey cakes ... At these fairs are mainly sold cheap, but original and artfully made crafts by local artisans,dedicated to the holiday.
The national holidays around Christmas time the participation of all, from small to large.Tourists at this time the Germans were also very pleased, so the best way to learn how to celebrate Christmas in Germany - is to go there in November or December to see everything with my own eyes.
Christmas in different regions of Germany
long historical period of fragmentation could not affect the fact, as they celebrate Christmas in Germany.Traditions and customs of the different regions of the country do not like each other because they have ancient roots and evolved in isolation.
So, in the coastal cities of German Christmas morning the ship arrives at the port of Santa Claus on board (in Germany, his name Vaynahtsman).Going down the ladder, Christmas grandfather congratulates his welcoming adults and children a Happy Holiday and bestowed gifts that brought in abundance.
In the eastern part of Germany, a region of dense forests and the Ore Mountains, the tradition is different.On Christmas market selling men smoking figures, wooden candle holders and original holiday pyramid.On city streets of gay people, many of whom wear traditional costumes.
in Thuringia - the home of the first Christmas-tree balls of glass - fair full of various items and souvenirs made of this material.
In southern Germany, the main symbol of Christmas is the wooden manger, reminiscent of the birth of baby Jesus.
a concert in the Bavarian Alpine choir sings.Brass bands performing national music with the participation of the alpine horn and trombone - traditional instruments that you can hear it when celebrating Christmas in Germany.
traditions and customs of the western regions of the country this holiday tale reminiscent of the Grimm brothers, who were born here.The road passes through several tales of cities, constantly reminding the traveler's famous stories.
Christmas table
On the eve of the holiday - Christmas Eve or the Holy Night - the whole family gathers at the richly decorated and the covered table.According to custom, on this day it exhibited the best dishes and flatware, and the menu consists of not less than seven dishes.
Before embarking on a festive meal, decided to bend the wafer - thin unleavened cakes, sanctified in churches during Advent.Breaking off pieces of wafers, the Germans were congratulating each other on Christmas and I wish you all the best.
In the center of the holiday table adorned by custom stuffed goose (at least - turkey), surrounded by a variety of salads and snacks.Traditional dishes for Christmas in Germany - sauerkraut, seafood and soup of beans, symbolizing prosperity.For dessert, usually served Christmas Stollen - sdobny roll with raisins and nuts covered with icing and powdered sugar.
Fortune Cookies - symbols of Christmas in Germany
interesting tradition of German housewives baking Christmas Eve is a special cookie.It has a horseshoe shape, inside of which is laid a strip of paper with a written prediction for who will get a treat.Predictions can be anything as serious and comic, but most importantly - certainly good to be for family and guests attending a house these days, yet another reason to rejoice.
