Dec 31 2008
German New Year “Silvester”
Yesterday while eating dinner, my husband asked me what we would be having for New Year’s Eve dinner. I looked at him and asked him ” What? We haven’t even eaten this dinner and you want to know what we’re having tomorrow??” Well he got a hurt and disappointed look on his face and I realized that he was only wondering because he is from Germany and in German tradition, there is a special dinner on New Year’s Eve just like we have here on Thanksgiving. I did some research and would like to tell you about the German tradition of “Silvester” which is what the Germans call New Year’s.
Germans celebrate the new year, or Silvester as they call it, like most people around the world. Most of the people have parties and fireworks, but many people choose to spend the evening quietly at home watching “Dinner for One ” on TV.
The name comes from The Saint Sylvester “Der Heilige Silvester” who served as Pope from 314 up until his death on December 31, 335. He cured the Roman Emperor Constantine I of leprosy after converting him to Christianity. You can read more about the History of the name “Silvester” and why Germany calls New Years Eve by this name at the at this link: learn even more!
It seems that New Year’s was not always celebrated on January 1st in Europe, it used to be celebrated in March according to the old Roman calendar. You can read about this at the same Link above.
On that note, I wish you a VERY happy and prosperous New Year full of happiness and good things. Blessings to you all!
