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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Germany Series at GermanPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind German holidays and observances. I’m Matt, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 17 - Pentecost. |
| In this lesson, we will discuss how people celebrate Pentecost or “Pfingsten” in German. Pentecost is a Christian festival, and occurs 49 days after Easter Sunday every year. It includes Pentecost Sunday called “Pfingstsonntag”, which is a public holiday in Germany, and the following day, Whit Monday, called “Pfingstmontag” in German, which is a non-working day. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, I've got a question for you- |
| Has Pentecost always been celebrated for two days in Germany? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later, so keep listening! |
| The New Testament describes the miracle of Pentecost. On the 50th Day after the resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit or “Heilige Geist” in German, came down to the disciples and apostles who had gathered in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit bestowed upon them the miracle to understand and use foreign languages they didn’t know before that. Christians celebrate this festival 49 days after Easter Sunday. |
| At Pentecost, Christians attend a church service, which is organized by some churches as a forest service. Many people make use of the holidays to go out with family or friends for a picnic, walking or hiking in nature or natural recreation areas. During Pentecost, you can listen to Europe's largest carillon, which is a type of musical instrument, in Berlin and enjoy a big party. At Pentecost, some people also visit the colorfully adorned Pentecost oxen in Meklenburg. Others go on short holidays for the extended weekend. |
| In Frankfurt, a traditional festival takes place in Frankfurt city forest on the Tuesday after Pentecost. This is an amusing fair with many different rides such as a Ferris wheel or “Riesenrad”, roller coaster, or Achterbahn, and carousel or Karussel. At this festival, you can find a vast spread of international foods as well as traditional local dishes. For example, "Handkäse mit Musik" which means “hand cheese with music” is typical of the Rhine-Main region. It’s cheese made of sour milk curd and is served with a sauce of onions, vinegar, oil, cumin, salt and pepper. |
| In the past, there was a tradition to hang fresh birch branches or Pfingstmaien around the houses. Among young people, it was a widespread custom to hang a bouquet of flowers on the door of the person they liked. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| Has Pentecost always been celebrated for two days in Germany? |
| Pentecost was not always celebrated for two days; originally the feast was celebrated for eight days, but over the course of time, it was shortened to two days. |
| So listeners, how did you like this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? How do you celebrate Pentecost in your country? Leave a comment telling us at GermanPod101.com. Until next time! |
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