December 20, 2002, Newsletter Issue #121: New Year`s Eve
Tip of the Week
An interesting Silvester custom is "Bleigiessen": a small piece of lead is melted over a flame in an old spoon and then dropped into a bowl of cold water. People believe that you will be able to tell your fortune for the coming year from the shape. "Knallbonbons" are popular with kids and adults alike: a colorful paper tube is pulled on both ends. There is a bang, and small candy or toys fall out. It is common for bigger towns to have elaborate fireworks set up, which will be set off at midnight. Lots of people fill glasses with champagne or wine, and they toast and hug each other before rushing out into the street to watch the rockets illuminate the sky and listen to the ringing church bells. There is also a lot of private fireworks, so the German fire brigades are kept busy. The traditional New Year greeting is "Ich wuensche ein gutes neues Jahr" (I wish you a happy new year). New Year’s Day is a public holiday, and this is a good thing, as many people have dreadful hangovers. The day is often a time of gift-giving for people who have served you throughout the year, such as postmen, caretakers and garbagemen.
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