Praising Christmas trees and sausage singers: regional Christmas customs

Christmas is everywhere but can differ greatly from one place to the next. A wide range of traditions can be found in Germany’s different regions that stretch from the Alps all the way to the sea. Some of these customs are devotional, while others are playful or based on ancient superstition. Here is a selection of some truly special traditions.

• Praising Christmas trees in Bavaria: Neighbours and friends will drop by spontaneously to elaborately praise the decorated tree. As part of the tradition they are then poured a shot of liquor.
• Saint Barbara's Day in Southern Germany: Many people across the South of Germany will cut branches from fruit trees on 4 December and take them inside. If the “Barbara branch” bears blossoms on Christmas Eve, this is considered a good omen for the year ahead.

• Christkindl shooting in the Berchtesgadener Land region: The sound of short-barrelled saluting guns can be heard across the valley in this tradition that goes back to the 19th century and is originally based on a pagan custom involving noise. The noise that is muffled by the snow-capped peaks is believed to drive away the darkness of winter.
• Sausage singers in the Sauerland region: On Boxing Day, young people will go from door to door to sing to the occupants and ask for gifts, such as sausage products. The haul is later auctioned for a good cause.
• Mountain parades in the Erzgebirge: People wearing historic mining costumes parade through the streets in festive processions to commemorate the region’s mining culture and bring some festive spirit and music to the villages.

• Christmas tree throwing in Hamburg: This tradition has been around since 1997 and it is all about bringing Christmas trees to sailors aboard ships. The trees are thrown over the ships’ rails to thank the crews for working over the holidays, far away from their families.
• Little Christmas on Rügen: Locals will put up little Christmas trees along paths and in forests. These trees are Christmas presents for wild animals, and are decorated with food such as apples, carrots, grains and hay instead of tinsel.