The Walpurgisnacht is celebrated on the 30th of April in Germany.  According to tradition, on this night witches from throughout the country fly to the Blocksberg for their annual gathering.

In many places bonfires are lit, and it is even a tradition in some parts for people to jump over it!

Other traditions are comparable to those at Halloween.  Since the 1990s the latter has become more popular in Germany, making the Walpurgisnacht less well-known, especially amongst foreigners.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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The 11th November is known as Martinstag or Sankt Martin. Originally the start of a 40-day period of fasting before Christmas, it is now more associated with the processions of children holding lanterns that take place after dark. Many families eat goose on this day.

The day also sees the start of the Karneval season.

To hear a simple explanation, a short discussion, and a children’s song in German, listen to the podcast:

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Laterne, Laterne,
Sonne, Mond und Sterne,
brenne auf mein Licht,
brenne auf mein Licht,
aber nur meine liebe Laterne nicht.

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Today in German Words Explained we explain the word “Käseigel“.

The Käseigel was popular at parties on the 60s and 70s. Fruit, cheese and even vegetables are placed on cocktail sticks and stick into a large fruit, such as a melon, similar to the way that cheese and pineapple are served.

The form given by placing the sticks in the melon resembles a hedgehog or Igel, hence the name Käseigel.

The word Käseigel is now considered threatened in German, as it is used so seldomly.

To hear a simple explanation in German, listen to the podcast:

(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)

Download the MP3 file | Subscribe to the podcast

Bedrohte Wörter – a list of “threatened words”