When in Germany do they celebrate Christmas?

For the Germans, as for the entire Catholic world, the most important holiday in the year is Christmas. To this triumph they begin to prepare for several months, observance of all ancient traditions of this people is obligatory for each person. Because now we will look in detail when celebrating Christmas in Germany, what number, what is celebrated a holiday, what are its features and much more.

What is Christmas for the Germans?

Perhaps, only one holiday a year the inhabitants of this country spend in a warm family circle. Children who live their life long ago come to their parents, bringing their grandchildren with them. The distant relatives become closer to each other, and the old friends again begin to be friends. When celebrating Christmas in Germany, it is common to forgive each other all grievances, all debts and quarrels. Close people gather in a close circle, eat dinner together, give each other gifts and just talk. All this for the Germans is an old tradition, which they honor and support from year to year. They have the greatest value for the nation.

Determine the exact date

Since the end of November, a parade of Santa Clauses is opening in all the streets of Germany. Some of them perform complicated tricks (climb walls, ride on ropes), others surprise the public with their inventions, while others simply sleep at the entrance to shops and cafes. All this action comes to a climax when in Germany they celebrate Christmas. And this happens not on December 25, as in most Catholic countries, but on the 24th. For Germans, the most important day of the year is exactly Christmas Eve, that evening, which they prepare for several months. It is he accompanied by the famous Holy Supper, the gathering of relatives and friends, the forgiveness of all offenses and other rituals of this country.

Advent calendar and its secrets

Preparing for Christmas here is not only cleaning the house, cooking food and so on. To understand the whole mystery of this celebration, you need to buy a special Advent calendar (wreath), which the Germans use, from December 1 to December 24. When in Germany they celebrate the Nativity of Christ, in each house it is from the 1st of the month that this wreath made of cones, coniferous branches, clusters of mountain ash and ribbons is hung. Every Sunday (that is, every Advent) to the wreath clings a candle and lights it. Just for Christmas, there are 4 candles on it, which means the coming of the Holy Evening. As a rule, candles like to light candles. They adore this tradition and always choose a wreath and all its components. We also note that candles are produced here in a variety of ways. They can have both a traditional form, and be in the form of little animals, geometric shapes, angels and so on.

Traditions of ancestors and history

From December 1 until the moment when Christmas is celebrated in Germany (December 24), the history of the appearance of Christ the Savior in dolls is exhibited behind the glass showcases of most shops. This is a kind of imitation of the national theater "vertep", which was popular throughout Europe and even in Russia in the 17-20th centuries. Dolls and other toys, as well as props handmade show us skits. They describe the birth of Jesus, how the Virgin Mary protected him, about how Herod ordered the extermination of all babies in Bethlehem, and other facts from the Bible. It is noteworthy that these dolls are not for sale. They are exhibited annually only so that children can learn as much as possible about the life of the Savior, and adults - once again plunge into the tale and forget about their everyday problems. However, in stores everything is implemented to make such toys with their own hands. This is the children of Germany and do on the eve of Christmas.

Gifts that the Germans love

As in all countries of the world, when in Germany they celebrate Christmas, it is customary to give each other gifts. For each individual nation there are their own traditions, but this people they gradually wear off, unfortunately. We came to this conclusion that's why. About 70 percent of the state prefer to receive money or gift coupons for Christmas. The second most important gift is the book. In third place is a smart technique (phones, tablets, etc.). Children love to receive gifts in toys, sweets. Women are usually given cosmetics, jewelry, souvenirs or simply products. A small percentage of people like to receive presents in various tropical corners of the world. But the most unloved Germans are socks.

Furnishings at Christmas Eve

As in our country, as in Africa and in Indonesia, on the eve of Christmas (or New Year), the Germans carefully sort through all their belongings. Unnecessary trash they throw out, thereby cleaning your house of bad energy. By the Holy Evening , every house has an ideal order, and the most delicious dishes are cooked. Most of Germany's population dresses up a Christmas tree. It is noteworthy that most Germans do not install northern coniferous plants in houses, but southern ones, that is, Tui or fir. Traditional ornaments - tinsel, balls, figurines of angels and asterisks.

Festive table in the old days and in our days

Unchanged, perhaps, there are only culinary traditions that stretch from the depths of centuries. They are presented in the form of mandatory on all tables of dishes that are exhibited when they celebrate Christmas in Germany. The year 2015 to be experienced will not be different from, say, 1886. As before, Christmas Eve will be celebrated on December 24, and all tables will be crowned with a duck or goose. It is a traditional German bird, which is baked to this celebration. To her, the Germans are preparing a potato salad with sausages, rolls with almonds, often served to the fondue table as a dessert. The main drinks are red wine and beer (not champagne).

Conclusion

When in Germany they celebrate the Nativity of Christ, in Russia we are just beginning to prepare for the New Year. But if you want to make your holidays more intense and bright, go to this country in advance to see with your own eyes all the mysteries of German traditions. You can look at the unique Santa Clauses, see a real den, taste a German duck and enjoy a local Christmas beer.