Germany's daring Epiphany traditions
Across many regions in Germany, Epiphany is a day of
traditions. Caroling children go from house to house, the ice levels of
the River Weser are tested in Bremen and in the southwest Carnival
begins. Here's an overview.
Carols: "Sternsinger," or star singers, are one of the oldest Catholic customs for Epiphany. Around January 6 children commonly dress up as the Three Magi from the Bible, who followed a divine star to visit Baby Jesus after his birth. The children go from house to house collecting money for charity projects and write "C + M + B" on each door as they go. The abbreviation stands for the Latin phrase, "Christus mansionem benedicat" (Christ bless this house).
Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht: In the southwest of Germany, January 6 means the beginning of the Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht. Costumes and masks are dusted off for the festivities, with people dressing up to represent many fabled figures from history, unique to each town or village.
Weser ice test: Thousands watch on as a 99-pound tailor is sent to test the ice levels on the dyke of the Weser River on Epiphany, also known as Three Kings' Day. His job is to asses whether the river is "geiht" or "steiht" - whether it flows or is frozen. According to the statutes, the tailor must walk across the Weser with a hot iron in hand - a tradition dating back to 1829. However, the answer has been clear for decades and doesn't change each year: The Weser River flows.
Bavarian horn sled race: The traditional horn sled race at Garmisch-Partenkirchen involves speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour as the traditional wooden sleds hurtle chaotically down the "Hohen Weg" path. This year, 89 teams have signed up for the 1,000 meter race. However, for the first time in the race's history, helmets are mandatory this year.
ej/ka/kbm (dpa)
Betty MacDonald fan club founder Wolfgang Hampel sings 'Try to remember' especially for Betty MacDonald fan club organizer Linde Lund at Vita Magica September
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