Editor's Note: This article has been updated Dec. 28, 2022, by USAG Bavaria PAO.
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GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – In Germany, New Year's Eve, or Silvester, is a time for celebration and reflection.
Many Germans celebrate the holiday with parties and fireworks and enjoy an array of fairly unusual New Year's Eve, or Silvester, traditions.
It is common for people to stay up late to welcome the new year, some count down the last seconds of the old year, some kiss at midnight, others sip champagne and party until daybreak.
Here are some unique German New Year's Eve, or Silvester traditions:
- Fireworks
Fireworks are a common part of New Year's Eve celebrations in Germany and are set off at midnight to welcome in the new year.
Fireworks are a special German New Year’s tradition because their use is restricted to New Year’s Eve only. Otherwise, their use is regulated by local laws and requires special permission. The use of fireworks is prohibited across U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria installations.
The sale and use of fireworks is restricted to people over the age of 18; however, there are child-friendly items available, such as “Knallfroesche” (firecrackers) and “Wunderkerzen” (sparklers).
Fireworks are generally prohibited around so-called protected objects, for example near churches, hospitals, animal shelters, homes for the elderly and children, and gas stations.
To ensure the safety of yourself and others use caution and common sense when handling and using fireworks, as they can be dangerous if not used properly. It is important to follow packaging instructions and keep a safe distance from the fireworks while they are being ignited. Additionally, fireworks should not be bought outside of Germany as they do not follow German safety standards.
- Dinner for one
Perhaps the oddest of these traditions is watching "Dinner for One," a short 15-minute British movie performed in English. The sketch plays on repeat on almost every channel and is watched religiously by Germans every New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
The plot follows the 90th birthday party of British upper-class matron, Miss Sophie, and her interactions with her butler, James. Given Miss Sophie's considerable age, the four guests who always attended her dinner party in the past have passed away. This leaves James to impersonate each guest around the dinner table.
After each toast (in which he must drink four times) and each course, James gets increasingly drunker and clumsier.
The wacky sketch is virtually unknown in the English-speaking world, even in Britain where it originates; however, in Germany it is much loved and an essential part of Silvester.
- Bleigiessen
Another well-loved tradition is Bleigiessen, or "lead pouring." A small amount of lead or wax (mostly used these days) is melted on a spoon over a candle flame.
It is then poured into a bowl of very cold water where it immediately hardens into a shape. Whatever image the shape represents is supposed to predict tidings for the new year.
Certain shapes have designated meanings. A cow represents healing; a flower, new friendship; and a cross, death. Bleigiessen kits can be bought at any German grocery store.
- Red underwear
As for underwear on New Year's night, you should wear red, the color of love. According to a centuries-old superstition, wearing red underwear on New Year's Eve brings good luck in love the following year.
The tradition originated in Italy and over time has also come to Germany. While in the past only women took part in this tradition, it is also becoming more and more popular among men.
- Feuerzangenbowle
The Feuerzangenbowle, or flaming wine bowl, is another favorite Silvester pastime.
Feuerzangenbowle is a traditional German drink that is made by setting a rum-soaked sugarloaf on fire and allowing it to drip into a punch bowl filled with red wine and spices. The word "Feuerzangenbowle" literally translates to "fire tong punch," and refers to the special utensils that are used to hold the sugarloaf above the punch bowl as it burns. As the sugarloaf burns, the flame is extinguished by the wine, creating a warm and spicy punch that is perfect for cold winter evenings.
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