Fasching I: Carnival Customs in Germany [12.02.23]

The traditional festival of Fasching is most prominent in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The celebration has a lengthy history that dates back to a time when people rejoiced in the passing of winter and the coming of spring. Ash Wednesday also marks the beginning of the Christian season of Lent before Easter.

Background, history, treats, costumes, and the Swabian-Alemannic Carnival

The traditional festival of Fasching, also known as Fasnet, is observed throughout Europe, but is most prominent in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The celebration has a lengthy history that dates back to the time before Christianity, when it was a time for people to rejoice in the passing of winter and the coming of spring. Although its precise beginnings are unknown, Fasching is thought to have its roots in ancient pagan festivities that were observed in Europe before to the advent of Christianity. In celebration of the passing of the long, gloomy winter and the entrance of spring and the new blooming season, people gathered at these festivals.

Over time, the Christian Church attempted to suppress these pagan celebrations, but many of the traditions and customs associated with Fasching managed to persist, and eventually, the festival was incorporated into the Christian calendar as the period leading up to Lent. For this reason, the date for Fasching changes annually. The earliest possible start of Fasching is January 29, and the latest is March 4.

Depending on where you celebrate, the customs can vary. In southern Germany and Switzerland, you will find a completely different carnival than in Rhineland-Palatinate or North Rhine-Westphalia, for example.

Which days should you remember?

Carnival traditionally begins with Schmotziger Donnerstag (Dirty Thursday, 16 February in 2023) and ends on Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday, 22 February in 2023). Throughout the whole Fasching period you will find parties to join.

Schmotziger Donnerstag (Dirty Thursday) or also Weiberfastnacht (Women's Carnival)
Common to all customs on Women's Carnival is that women are given power for one day. This custom has existed since the Middle Ages. During a time when women were subordinate to men in everything and men exercised guardianship over women, this was considered a "topsy-turvy world". Some evidence suggests that in the Middle Ages Ash Wednesday was the actual day on which women celebrated their carnival. Today, many events on this day are reserved for women. In some regions, it has become a custom for women to cut off men's ties (ties = symbol of male power). The name Dirty Thursday is simply derived from the fact that it was the main slaughter day before the carnival celebrations preceding Lent.
The term Rußiger Freitag (Sooty Friday) is used mainly in the Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht (esp. Baden-Württemberg, Vorarlberg (Austria) and Switzerland). The name comes from the fact that in the past, on this day, fools tried to smear soot on people's faces.
Schmalziger Samstag (Lardy Saturday) is also used almost exclusively in the Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht and refers to the quietest day during Fasching. In the past, eggs and dairy products were forbidden during Lent, so they had to be used up before that. On Schmalziger Samstag, this was done by preparing lard pastries, and if you smeared soot into someone's face on Friday, you should bring over some treats.
On Tulpensonntag (Tulip Sunday), also known as Carnival Sunday or Fasching/Fastnacht Sunday, parades already take place in many cities and villages.
Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) is the highlight of the carnival week. Often, a long procession with many colorful floats and dressed-up people moves through the city center. Loud music is played and sweets are thrown from the floats.
Faschingsdienstag (Fat Tuesday/Shrove Tuesday) is the name for the last of the carnival days, the day after Rose Monday. As the last day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday, it often has a special significance in customs.In other places, it is also known as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, because it is a day for feasting.
Carnival ends on what is known as Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday). For Christians, the 40-day period of Lent begins.

Fasching treats
In many regions of Europe today, Fasching is still a holiday that brings people together for parades, parties, and other celebrations. Masks and costumes are frequently worn during the event, and the traditional treats like "Fasnetküchle," "Krapfen," and "Berliner" are frequently consumed. People of all ages appreciate these lard-based pastries throughout this holiday season. They are a significant component of the Fasching custom. A popular treat during the festival, they are often served with coffee or tea and are sweet and decadent.

"Fasnetküchle" is a traditional German pastry that is created from a straightforward dough consisting of flour, eggs, and lard. It is deep-fried, and then sugar powder is added. These pastries have a history of being connected to Fasching and are believed to bring luck for the upcoming year.
Another classic pastry that is well-liked during Fasching is "Krapfen." It is a particular variety of doughnut that has jam or other sweet fillings like Nutella or custard within. The typical ingredients for the dough are flour, yeast, eggs, and lard, and the finished pastry is deep-fried till golden
Fasching is also known for "Berliner," a type of pastry. It resembles a doughnut and has jam, cream, or other delicious fillings within. Flour, sugar, yeast, eggs, and lard are used to make the dough, and the pastries are often cooked before being dusted with confectioner's sugar or frosting. There is an ongoing debate about what the correct name is – in Berlin, they actually go by Pfannkuchen. Confusing, isn't it?!

Fasching costumes
An essential component of the celebration of Fasching (or Fasnet) are the traditional costumes worn throughout the holiday. Masks and costumes are frequently worn during fasching, and attendees frequently dress elaborately and colorfully to participate in the celebrations. Some common traditional costumes worn during Fasching include:

Animals: The usage of animal masks and costumes, such as those of cats, rabbits, and foxes, is frequently linked to fasching. These costumes, which oftentimes are vibrant and entertaining, pay homage to the festival's historic pagan origins.
Historical figures: To participate in the Fasching festivities, some individuals dress up as historical figures like knights or princesses. These clothes, which are frequently ornate, are intended to convey feelings of tradition and history.
Circus performers: Clowns and acrobats are two examples of popular Fasching costume themes. These costumes are designed to inspire a sense of pleasure and playfulness and frequently include vibrant colors and amusing features.
Political characters: Fasching costumes occasionally feature political figures, such as politicians or celebrities. These costumes might be lighthearted or satirical, and they frequently represent social satire or political commentary.
Traditional costumes: Local costumes worn at Fasching in some regions include traditional garb. In addition to helping to maintain regional cultural customs and heritage, these garments frequently have distinctive and elaborate designs. Overall, the costumes worn during Fasching are a fun and creative way for participants to take part in the festivities, and they are an important part of the cultural heritage of the festival.

These celebrations serve as a time for people to get together and take part in a variety of festivities and customs that have been passed down through many generations. They are distinctive and significant components of the cultural legacy of many communities throughout Europe. Do not miss out our next entry about Swabian-Alemannic Fastnacht, the local variety of carnival. UNESCO has even designated it an Intangible World Cultural Heritage in 2014!

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