Category: TÜNEWS DIVERSE

By Oula Mahfouz Whether it’s Fasnet, Fasching or Carnival: the jesters are ready for their most important days of the year. The highlight of the carnival season begins on “schmotziger Donnerstag”. This year it is on February 8. In the days that follow, there are parades, children dress up and paint their faces, and some adults also hide their faces behind scary masks and slip into colorful costumes. On Ash Wednesday, February 14, it’s all over. The biggest parade in the region takes place on Sunday, February 11 in Rottenburg. The carnival tradition is firmly anchored in the Christian calendar… Read More

With the changeover of the calendar from Julian to New Julian, Ukrainians celebrate Christmas on 25 December this year. Previously, the festival was on 7 January. Christmas is considered the second major holiday after Easter. It is usually celebrated with the family. There are many traditions and rituals associated with Christmas. The most important of these are fasting, Christmas Eve and the singing of Christmas carols. Fasting: The Christmas fast begins 40 days before Christmas. It is one of the longest periods of fasting. During the Christmas fast, all types of fruit and vegetables, mushrooms, pulses and cereal products may… Read More

In Germany, children—and adults too, of course—traditionally receive their presents on the evening of 24 December, on Christmas Eve. In most families, they are then placed under the Christmas tree in the living room, which is decorated with colourful baubles and candles or fairy lights. These are usually fir or spruce trees that have been felled for Christmas. The explanation of who brought the presents varies depending on the region and the prevailing confession. In southern Germany, children are usually told the story of the Christ Child: The Christ Child places the presents under the tree without being seen. He… Read More