SILVESTER UND NEUJAHRDIRK HAMEL-WOOD

GERMAN CULTURE Q2SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS:

History

• The December 31st date of Silvester, New Year's Eve, is named after Pope Sylvester I, whose feast day was originally on this date.

• This feast day wasn't known as the end of the year until the reform of the Gregorian calendar, which placed Dec. 31st as the last day of the year.

• However, despite its Christian roots, most celebrations on New Year's Eve are based around the pagan traditions of the Germanic tribes.

History

• The pagan rite that Silvester springs from is the Rauhnächte, a cycle of 12 days which took place at the end of December and the beginning of January.

• The reason Silvester is celebrated in Germany with fireworks is because of this pagan tradition-- driving away evil winter spirits with as much noise as possible.

Food

• Eating Sauerkraut will supposedly bring blessings and wealth for the New Year.

• Eating seafood and pork on the New Year's Eve is considered lucky, and is often consumed. For those who don't wish to eat actual pork, marzipan and candy pigs are common as well. (see right)

• On the other hand, it is considered bad luck to eat poultry.

Food

• The most popular meal on New Year's Eve is soup.

• Common varieties include lentil soup (Linsensuppe), pea soup(Erbsensuppe), bean soup (Bohnensuppe), or carrot soup (Mohrensuppe).

• A new tradition is to eat fondue or raclette in group settings with family or friends.

• Breads and baked goods are also quite common, especially the New Years's Bread (Neujahrsbrot), a symbol of good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

Traditions

• Bleigießen: Translated as "lead pouring," is a traditional way of telling the future. A small amount of lead is melted in a spoon, and then poured into a bucket of water. When it cools, the shape will be interpreted, and will show the individual's luck for the New Year. (see right)

• Feuerwerk: Fireworks are not exclusive to Germany, but do play a large part in New Year's celebrations.

Traditions

• Feuerzangenbowle: A traditional New Year's drink. It literally translates to "flaming fire tongs punch," so I would guess it has quite the kick.

• Die Fledermaus: A common opera performed on New Year's Eve, composed by Johann Strauss. Custom in both Germany and Austria.

• Neujahrskarte: Some Germans prefer to send a New Year's card, rather than a Christmas card.

Quiz Questions

• 1. How long is the traditional Rauhnächte?

A. 12 days

B. 1 day

C. What's Rauhnächte again?

• 2. What does Bleigießen literally translate to?

A. Blue sky

B. Purple pony

C. Lead pouring

Answers

•1. Answer:

A. 12 days

2. Answer:

C. Lead pouring

References

• German New Year's History: http://www.thelocal.de/society/20111231-16425.html

• German New Year's Food: http://www.germanfoodguide.com/holiday-silvester.cfm

• German New Year's Traditions: http://german.about.com/library/blsilvester.htm

• ME. Powerpoints don't write themselves, you know...