Is Halloween Celebrated in Germany?
Not a traditional Germany celebration, Halloween's popularity has been growing during the past twenty years. Besides the Ward's "Trunk or Treat" event with chili, soup, bread & desserts for everyone, we saw very little evidence of Halloween around. Oh an occasional jack-o-lantern, or decoration here and there, and maybe a few things in stores.
Ken found a rather frightening decoration in Rudesheim.
The presence of American soldiers over many years has brought some American traditions to Europe. There are still many US military bases.
At our Ward Activity, I particularly noticed (and liked) the fact that those who wore costumes, wore mostly homemade ones, like we did years ago. The premade ones don't challenge the imagination! I very much liked seeing the do-it-yourself ones again!!!!!!
October 31 is known as "Reformation Day" because it is the day that Martin Luther posted his 93 theses listing his objections to the practices of the Catholic Church.
November 1st is a Catholic holiday known as "All Saints Day." It is a public holiday in some parts of Germany, as well as several other European countries. This is observed by holding special religious services to honor all of the Saints, as well as to light candles and pray for family members who have passed on.
Frankenstein Castle
This castle is alleged to have been the inspiration for the 1818 gothic novel, Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley.
The castle's name, Frankenstein, came from the 13th century when one of the German tribes was named "Frank." Stein is the German word for stone and is part of the name of many places around Germany. Consequently, the name, Frankenstein, is a rather ordinary name for a castle in Germany.
The mountain where the castle is located is used for outdoor recreation, and the castle's chapel is used for weddings.
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