German Winter Holidays


Christmas

The German Christmas lasts from December 24 to January 4th. Beginning on Christmas Eve, all responsibilities are lifted to honor the birth of Christ. Specific customs vary in different villages, but most include feasting, prayer, giving gifts, games, and dancing. There are some specific days in which an event is commemorated, such as the Feast of St. Stephen, when a fox is tied to a pole and torn apart by dogs.

New Years

On the Monday following the twelfth day of Christmas, New Years is celebrated. This is a time of drinking, gaming, and dancing.

Carnevale

Carnevale is the night before Lent, called "the putting away of flesh." Great feasts are held and troupe's of performers have plays in rural areas. These plays preach the virtues of Christianity. They are often in the forms of old epic heroes. A costume parade, which is accompanied by drinking a lot of wine and beer, and straw figures are burned on bonfires. Carnevale usually falls around the end of February, which is the Tuesday night before Ash Wednesday. People believe this festival drives away evil spirits.

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