traditions

What Does 20*C+M+B+16 Mean on Doors in Germany? If you have ever been in Germany during Christmas and noticed letters and numbers written in chalk on doors (but have no idea what it means) don’t be ashamed. You’re certainly not alone. A recent visit to the Mosel in south west Germany over …

Christmas tree balls are the canvas of choice for this German artist. Louis Pfeiffer from Oldenburg in Germany has a very special relationship with the Christmas story. He has already written the Gospel of Luke more than 1,000 times – not on paper though, but on glass Christmas tree balls. …

More Americans trace their family roots to Germany than to any other country. German Amercians and people of German descent constitute one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States. Germans began emigrating to America in the seventeenth century. More people came to the United States from Germany in …

St. Martin’s Day or Martinstag is one of the most popular saint’s days in Germany, particularly celebrated by children and young people. Martin of Tours was born in the 4th Century and started out as a Roman soldier, later becoming a monk, and because of his exemplary way of life was …

Halloween in Germany. While the tradition doesn’t run as deep as it does elsewhere in the world, many German adults and children still enjoy frights and thrills aplenty . Halloween in Germany is barely two decades old but has already become a popular holiday in the country. While German children say “Süßes oder Saures” (“sweet or …

German Birthday Traditions & Customs. Birthdays in Germany are similar to American and British birthday celebrations, with a few unique exceptions “sprinkled” here and there throughout German-speaking countries. Cake, presents, family and friends are equally important, and no more so than for children. In Germany, a birthday celebration is called …