The hottest days of summer are called “dog days” in English and “Hundstage” in German. But it has nothing to do with dogs.
June 27 is “Siebenschläfertag” in Germany. This has nothing to do with the “Siebenschläfer” (edible dormouse) but with the “Seven Sleepers” who were Christian martyrs. Find out how this is all connected to weather lore.
Weißer Spargel or white asparagus is Germany’s favorite vegetable … at least during its season from April to June. There are Asparagus Routes, sculptures, you can find asparagus in art, and there are some curious things as well.
Osterwasser or Easter water is water collected on Easter early in the morning, before sunrise. It is said to have healing and protective powers and won’t go bad.
On Saturday before Easter many cities in Germany celebrate with an Osterfeuer (Easter Fire). An Easter Wheel (Osterrad) though is a regional custom.
Good Friday or Karfreitag is the day when Jesus was crucified. Different regions in Germany have different customs associated with this day, from “Ratschen” to processions, from eating fish to eating “Struwen”.
Osterbrunnen are decorated fountains and wells that are common in Franconian Switzerland during Easter. They are decorated with colorful eggs and greenery garlands.
Here is a (not comprehensive) list of locations and clubs where you can celebrate German Karneval/Fasching in the U.S.
Groundhog Day is an American and Canadian holiday on February 2, but the custom of predicting the arrival of spring has German origins. It also has a connection to Candlemas, a religious holiday with roots dating back to Celts.
Cilly Aussem was a German tennis player in the 1920s and 30s and the first German to win Wimbledon. She won against fellow German Hilde Krahwinkel.
