Nuejahr or New Year in Germany is celebrated on January 1 as per
the Gregorian Calendar. People bid farewell to the old year and welcome
the New Year in a rocking manner. They eat, drink, dance, play games,
exchange wishes and even make resolutions to bring in the New Year.
New Year's Tradition
With the New Year celebrations, people of Germany do not forget to
follow all their customs and traditions. A very popular tradition of
telling future called
Bleigiessen is followed with great
amount of excitement by the Germans. They would drop molten lead into
cold water and predict future of people from whatever shape it created.
If it took the shape of a heart or ring it meant wedding, shape of ship
meant journey and a pig symbolized plenty of food in the coming year.
Another tradition of leaving a bit of every food on new Year's Eve until
after midnight ensured surplus food year ahead.
New Year's Celebrations in Germany
New Year's Eve is celebrated with gaiety and zest by the people of
Germany. People are in a full mood to enjoy and party hard. New Year's
celebration begins with the New Year's Eve.
Silvester is the New
Year's Eve in Germany. December 31st is the feast day of Saint Silvester
and is so New Year's Eve named after him. Silvester was a pope who lived
in the fourth century. According to the German legends, he healed the
leprosy and baptized the Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great. And also
Silvester was the only pope to meet the acknowledged members of Jesus's
family.
New Year's Eve is a noisy affair. These celebrations are all about
dancing, singing, drinking and having a lavish meal. People like to
spend time with their dear ones. Party places and restaurants are
overcrowded with people. The huge New Year bash of
Brandenburger Tor
in Berlin is famous worldwide.
As soon as clock strikes 12 at night, people are seen hugging, kissing
and wishing each other
"Gutes Nue Jahr" or "Happy
New Year". Bells of churches start ringing loudly. Champagne and
wine flow lavishly and fireworks light up the sky. Thus, New Year is
welcomed in a merry way by the people of Germany.
Playing special New Year games is another feature of New Year's
celebrations. At homes, people enjoy the festive craze by watching
special New Year programs. It is considered very auspicious by the
people to have carp (a type of fish) or herring and toast made with
champagne or sekt. Cabbage and carrots are also eaten to bring in
financial stability. For Silvester, lentil (or split pea) soup with
wieners is very popular. It is prepared a few days before the New Year.
People also share meat and cheese fondue with family and friends as the
New Year feast.
