Germans dress-up to go to Oktoberfest, and everyone has spent 100-500€ on their traditional dress of Dirndls and Lederhosen (see October blog for pics)...recently St.Martin's Day was celebrated. It is a Catholic celebration of a soldier who became a monk. See the link for more details: " http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Martin's_Day ". Children make paper lanterns as a project in school and join a parade around the town while singing songs. In Hartefeld, a nearby town, St. Martin on a horse led the parade to a large bonfire with the children singing happily behind him. Afterwards, the children gathered in the local school and received bags of candy, while the adults snacked on Gluhwein (hot mulled wine) and Püfferchen (a deep-fried dough with raisins or apple pieces, covered in sugar). They are SO good, but probably really bad for you! See here for a pic and the recipe if you want..." http://www.rezeptwiese.de/rezepte/64656-puefferchen ".
Hand-made lanterns.
Singing songs to St. Martin.
There is also tradition for remembering the passing of loved ones. At the 6 week anniversary of Georg's grandfather's death a couple weeks ago, there was a church service for the deceased and a family gathering following. There was also a church service for his grandfather on the other side of the family for the 15-year anniversary of his passing. Flowers and candles were laid on the grave and the family said a few words...how often do people visit their relatives graves in Canada?? I can't say that I have visited either of my grandpa's graves...but I suppose it has different importance to different people. What was really special for me at the 15-year anniversary service, was that it also remembered the grandfather of a childhood friend who passed away this time last year...and ironically, who is related to Georg's family. I was able to meet some of the close relatives of my friend and be somewhat of a "representative" for the Janhsen family who live in my hometown.
With all this Catholic tradition comes many church services...but it is okay. I don't understand the language enough yet to feel obligated to pay attention to the service, so it is a time to contemplate life and people watch. :)
And for fun...some new additions to the Maas household:
Ein baby Meerschweinchen!!
Meet Sampson, the new guard dog on the Maas farm.
2 comments:
Thanks for the post Sio!
I guess the reason why Canadians do not celebrate many national holidays is because we're such a new country and embrace cultural diversity, so in doing so cultural groups celebrate separately but it doesn't have the same impact as having a national holiday that is celebrated by all. Germany and the German culture has been around for hundreds of years, and so their traditions are strong and proudly celebrated. I'm glad you get to learn and experience them!
I am also glad to see the wee guinea pig and puppy ... both of which are really really cute! Creature comforts!
Nice to read your reflections on life, Sio. I agree with Krista about all the different ethnic groups in Canada making it difficult to have public celebrations that include everyone. In the past, I believe there were more christian oriented public events. Often the churches or ethnic clubs will celebrate special days/events on their own.
We notice tho that there is a strong catholick influence to our church special days, most likely based on a shared history!
I think it must feel wonderful to be surrounded by such traditions, tho. Makes one feel part of a group, I'm sure. - love Mom
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