Weihnachten
Christmas Eve in German-speaking countries
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Key Takeaways
- Weihnachten ( German: [ˈvaɪnaxtn̩] ) is the observance of what is commonly known in English as Christmas in the German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
- Traditions of Weihnachten influenced Advent and Christmastide culture throughout the world.
- This is a time of religious preparation for the arrival of the Christkind (the Christ Child).
- Four candles adorn the wreath, and a new one is lit each Sunday.
- Children also enjoy the advent calendar, which contains 24 doors, one for each day of December leading up to Christmas.
Weihnachten (German: [ˈvaɪnaxtn̩] ) is the observance of what is commonly known in English as Christmas in the German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It is also widespread in countries with a German-speaking minority, such as Transylvania in Romania, South Tyrol in Italy, Eupen in Belgium, and various diasporas such as the German Brazilian and German American communities. Traditions of Weihnachten influenced Advent and Christmastide culture throughout the world.
Preparations
In preparation for Weihnachten, many families celebrate Advent. This is a time of religious preparation for the arrival of the Christkind (the Christ Child). Traditional advent activities include the Adventskranz (Advent wreath), which is set up on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, the beginning of the Advent season. Four candles adorn the wreath, and a new one is lit each Sunday. Families often sing Christmas carols as they gather around the wreath to celebrate the preparation and Christmas season.
Children also enjoy the advent calendar, which contains 24 doors, one for each day of December leading up to Christmas. Children open one door each day, and find a chocolate treat awaiting them. Many calendars also include pictures inside the doors, often Christmas-related.
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