Volkstrauertag in Germany is a National Day of Mourning commemorating the fallen soldiers and victims of wars.

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.

Here is a (not comprehensive) list of locations and clubs where you can celebrate German Karneval/Fasching in the U.S.

While New Year’s Day is called “Neujahr” (new year) in German, New Year’s Eve goes by the name “Silvester”, after Pope Sylvester I who died on December 31, 335.

Epiphany (Dreikönigstag) is celebrated on January 6th. In many regions, “Sternsinger” go from door to door, singing and marking the houses with the CMB blessing.

Father’s Day in Germany looks a lot different from Father’s Day in the US. First, it’s on Ascension Day in May, second, men go on hiking and/or drinking tours.

On the eve of April 30th, the “Walpurgisnacht”, witches meet on the Brocken mountain to celebrate and mate with the devil. But the night is named after a Saint. Read here about Saint Walburga and her connection to the witches’ night.

Glücksbringer are good luck charms, and Germany has plenty of them: the lucky penny, horseshoe, toadstool, ladybug, chimney sweep, clover, and of course the Glücksschwein, a lucky pig.

The first Sunday after Ash Wednesday is the Funkensonntag. On that day, so-called Funkenfeuer (bonfires) are lit in the Swabian-Alemannic Alpine regions.

On February 21st, North Frisians gather at the beaches to observe the traditional Biikebrennen – a giant bonfire to mark the beginning of whale hunting and fishing season, and the end of winter.

What do Germans do for New Year’s Eve (Silvester) and New Year’s Day (Neujahr)? Read here about German New Year’s traditions, from Dinner for One to eating Berliner.

December 4th is Saint Barbara’s Feast Day. She converted to Christianity and died as a martyr. Find out here why we cut cherry tree branches on Saint Barbara Day, and how it relates to the patron of artillerymen and miners.

On the first day of school, German children receive a cone filled with candy and school supplies – die Schultüte. It’s a tradition dating back to the 1800s.

On February 22nd, the town of Haslach celebrates Storchentag (Day of the Stork) to commemorate when the storks saved the city from vermin.

Buß- und Bettag is the Wednesday before the last Sunday in the liturgical year. In English, it’s called Day of Prayer and Repentance.

Here are two recipes: one for Martins- or Zuckerbrezeln, and one for Stutenkerle or Weckmänner. They are German recipes that I translated into English with American measurements. Links to the original are in the post.

In the fall, children all over Germany take part in lantern parades, they sing songs, and in some regions they receive a sweet dough man. Especially in the West, this happens on St. Martin’s Day which is November 11th.

November 1st is Allerheiligen or All Saints’ Day, but what exactly is that? Is it the same as Allerseelen or All Souls’ Day?

Erntedankfest in Germany is a harvest festival where people give thanks for the harvest. It normally takes place on the first Sunday in October. Find out more about the customs around this holiday.

What is Oktoberfest? When does it happen? What should I wear? What is there to eat and drink? You’ll find the answers here.

Find out what the World Beard and Moustache Championship is, and learn German words and idioms around “Bart”.