With sunny weather approaching, you might want to treat yourself and your child/children to one of Germany’s most popular desserts: Spagetthieis [ʃpaˈɡɛtiˌaɪs]
What Germans Traditionally eat on New Year’s Day
Traditionally, we eat pork (simmered pork knuckle, Bratwurst, or smoked pork chops) and Sauerkraut on New Year’s Day. Eating Sauerkraut is especially important, as it promises a financially good new year.
In some rural areas, you might also find the Eierring or Eierweck on the kitchen table. Many years ago, families had to pre-order the Eierring days in advance to make sure to get one. Fewer and fewer bakeries sell these nowadays, as demand has gone down for this traditional form of bread. The Eierring, with its round shape, is similar to the horse shoe, another good luck charm.
Growing up, I remember having the Eierring on New Year’s Eve (while it is still fresh) and mulled wine. Whatever was left, we had on New Year’s Day as it was supposed to be.
Same with the pork and Kraut – we had it for dinner this evening, and will have the remainder tomorrow, on New Year’s Day as it is meant to be.
Have a great New Year’s Eve, wherever you are!
German Word of the Day: die Weihnachtsgurke (Christmas Pickle)
A very long time ago, the Christmas tree was originally decorated with nuts and fruits. Then came the shiny stuff (Lametta, Weihnachtskugeln, Sterne).
Another supposedly German tradition says to hang a pickle onto the tree. Yes, a pickle. The lucky finder will get an extra present. The first time I heard of this tradition was about 10 years ago. It could be an American tradition with German roots.
I had hidden our pickle so well (out of sight, out of mind), I completely forgot to have my family search for it on Christmas Eve.
Quote by Mark Twain in German
“Je mehr Vergnügen Du an Deiner Arbeit hast, umso besser wird sie bezahlt.”
(The more you enjoy your work, the more you get paid.)
– Mark Twain