The name “Silvester” for New Year’s Eve in Germany is derived from Pope Silvester I, who served as Pope of the western Church from 314 up until his death on December 31st, 355. The last day of the year was placed on December 31st when the Gregorian calendar was reformed in 1582, combining Silvester’s feast day with what we now call New Year’s Eve.

Despite the shared date, most German Silvester traditions actually stem from a far older pagan celebration called Rauhnächte. Making a lot of noise was an important part of these ancient year-end traditions, and it is likely that the fireworks set off in multitudes on New Year’s Eve today are the modern evolution of that tradition. After Christmas, fireworks begin to appear for sale in German shops and supermarkets. Unlike the United States, most fireworks are legal in Germany, and there are very few public fireworks displays—though the largest and most famous takes place at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate. Instead, almost the entire population sets off their own fireworks. On January 1st, the streets are awash with the red paper detritus that most fireworks leave behind.

New Year’s Eve Traditions in Germany

Germans have their own set of traditions on New Year’s Eve, which they call “Silvester“. Here are some of the customs and practices associated with the beginning of the new year in German-speaking countries:

Berliner Pfannkuchen

These are jelly-filled doughnuts that are a popular treat during New Year’s Eve. They are usually available year-round, but German bakeries bake up extra amounts of Berliner Pfannkuchen for New Year’s and Karneval/Fasching. In days past, Berliner Pfannkuchen were a rare, special treat reserved only for special occasions, which is why they are now more prevalent around New Year’s (Silvester) or for Fasching (Mardi Gras). For Silvester there are also special fillings of chocolate, vanilla, or Eierlikör (egg nog). In southern Germany and Austria, doughnuts are known as Krapfen.

Bleigießen

This is an old practice using molten lead like tea leaves to predict the future. Today a small amount of tin or wax (lead is now illegal) is melted in a tablespoon by holding a flame under the spoon, and then poured into a bowl or bucket of water. The resulting pattern is interpreted to predict the coming year.

Dinner for One

This is an annual German custom that began in 1963 when German TV first broadcast a 17-minute British stage sketch entitled “Dinner for One.” It’s part of the New Year’s Eve tradition in Germany and has become a familiar catchphrase in the German-speaking world.

Feuerwerk

Fireworks on New Year’s Eve (Silvester) are not unique to German-speaking Europe. People all over the world use fireworks (private or government-sponsored) to welcome in the New Year and drive out evil spirits with loud noises and sparkling, flashing pyrotechnics. But if you haven’t experienced a big-city New Year’s Eve in Germany, you don’t know what real fireworks are!

Feuerzangenbowle

In addition to champagne or Sekt (German sparkling wine), wine, or beer, Feuerzangenbowle (“flaming fire-tongs punch” – also known as “Krambambuli”) is a popular traditional German New Year’s drink.

Lucky Charms

Germans exchange lucky charms on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Lucky charms in Germany include such “Glückspilze” (lucky mushrooms), ladybugs, four-leaf clovers, and little pigs.

Food

Although you might end up at a party with a buffet of finger food, many people choose dishes that can be eaten over several hours as their last meal of the year, such as fondue, in which pieces of meat are cooked in hot oil. Also popular is raclette, where cheese is melted on a table-top grill, accompanied by meats, pickles, and potatoes.