Everyone celebrates Christmas in a different way
Some Christmas customs that seem quite familiar to us are not so old. The custom of giving presents to children at Christmas, for example, was initiated around 1535 by Martin Luther as an alternative to the custom of giving gifts on St. Nicholas' Day. Although the Christmas tree has existed since the 16th century, the Advent wreath has only existed since 1839. The invention of Santa Claus in the last century gradually led to the replacement of the Christ Child and Santa Claus. The latter, on the other hand, continues to play the main Christmas role as a gift-bringer for our Dutch neighbours in Holland. Already in November Santa Claus "Sinterklaas" arrives. With him as helper of the "Zwarte Piet". The highlight will be the "Pakjesavond" on December 5th. Then gifts are exchanged.
In Spain, Christmas focuses on the drawing of the lucky numbers of the Christmas lottery - in addition to going to church. The "Lotería de Navidad" is the oldest and largest lottery in the world. On the 22nd of December, billions are distributed, everyone hopes for the first prize "El Gordo" (the Big One).
Christmas without meat
Some Eastern European countries are all about food. Only meatless dishes are served on the Polish Christmas table on Christmas Eve. Nevertheless, with twelve traditional dishes, nobody has to go hungry. In many families an additional cover is put on, if an unexpected guest comes. Also in Bulgaria there is an odd number of traditional meatless dishes on Christmas Eve. Especially popular are red peppers with rice filling as well as vine leaf and sauerkraut roulades. The table is not cleared after supper so that the deceased can eat during the night. According to a Bohemian tradition in the Czech Republic, an apple is sliced crosswise after the Christmas dinner in order to predict the future. If the apple shows its core as a star, this means happiness and health.
Gift Bringer: Santa Basil, Father Frost or Santa Claus
Instead of a Christmas tree, many Greeks set up a small boat decorated with fairy lights in gardens or at windows. Gifts are usually not given at Christmas, but on New Year's Eve. Santa Basil puts them under the bed. In Russia, on the other hand, Father Frost is used: he brings the presents, however, only on New Year's Eve. According to the Julian calendar, the Russian Orthodox Christmas is celebrated 13 days later than the German Christmas. Another look into the USA. Santa Claus floats through the air with his sled on the night of 25 December and enters the house through the fireplace.
The flashing Christmas tree in the driver's cab: Permitted in Germany?
Of course, truck drivers are also looking forward to Christmas. Everyone in his own way. For some contemporaries the blinking mini Christmas tree on the dashboard of the truck may still important. Supplemented perhaps by a LED light strip dangling from the interior mirror as well as a brightly illuminating name plate. Allowed? No, such "light shows" are prohibited under the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) for traffic safety reasons. All additional light sources which are not mentioned in the StVZO or which do not have the prescribed colour are not permitted. These include, for example, red license plate lights or blue marker lights. The ban also applies to so-called interior luminaires with an exterior effect, such as the flashing Christmas tree.
Truck driving bans at Christmas
Many truck drivers simply leave their "beloved workplace" in the parking lot for Christmas. Not only because the family has priority on the holidays, but also because in Germany § 30 StVO (road traffic regulations) regulates a ban on driving on Sundays and public holidays. According to this, on Sundays and public holidays in the period from 0 a.m. to 10 p.m., trucks with a gross vehicle weight of over 7.5 tons and trailers behind trucks are not allowed to drive on German roads. At Christmas this applies to the 1st and 2nd Christmas holidays and shortly thereafter to the 1st January (New Year).
Other neighbouring European countries are even more restrictive. For example, in the Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland. There is also a strict ban on driving trucks on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Merry Christmas
Whether you are having fun with your family or with friends during a Christmas market stroll, or spending a cosy and contemplative time during Christmas: Edscha TS wishes you a great Advent season and a very special Christmas this year.
