The Holy Mass, Sacraments, Festivals and Weddings in Germany.

THE HOLY MASS

The Holy Mass is basically the gathering of the faithful who share in the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. It is an essential factor in every Christian's life but unfortunately, Germans are not very keen on attending mass even on Sundays when it is compulsory. This attitude is found mainly among the youngsters. On interviewing a priest, we found out that people who are between the ages of thirty and forty are the 'youngsters' in Church. Reaons may differ but the main reason behind this attitude is lack of complusion and disinterest.

BAPTISM, COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION

According to the Church, a sacrament is an institution of inward grace. It is a ceremony or ritual which brings people closer to God. The first sacrament which every Christian receives is Baptism which cleanses you off the sins our first parents- Adam and Eve committed. It is given to infants. In Germany, it is the naming ceremony of the newborn. Holy Communion is given to children who are between the ages of 8 and 12. It enables them to take part in the Eucharist i.e share in the Body and Blood of Jesus. During the Eucharist, bread symbolzing Jesus' body and wine symbolizing His blood is given. It is a grand ceremony in Germany and the children look very sweet dressed in white gowns and suits. Very adorable! Confirmation is given to older, more mature children and confirms that they are soldiers of God. It is also a big ceremony.

FESTIVALS

Germans celebrate three festivals- Christmas, Easter and Pfingsten (The Pentacost).
Christmas, as you all know, is the birth of Jesuss Christ. Being the most important festival for the Germans, it is celebrated with great grandeur and fun. The celebrations begin on the 6th of December which is St. Nikolas day (Santa Claus day ;) ) Easter, is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is the symbol of new life. Friends and neighbours exchange gifts, Easter eggs and chocolates in the  shape of Easter rabbits. 50 after Easter comes Pfingsten or the Pentacost. It is believd that after the death of Jesus, the Holy Spirit annointed all the apostles with tongues of fire. This enabled them to speak different languages with which they spread Christianity throughout the world. It is celebrated for three weeks and Germans have their vacations duting this time.

WEDDINGS

A wedding ceremony in Germany is sure to be filled with rich tradition and style.
German wedding customs are wide ranging. The symbolic evening event is called Polterabend, meaning the evening with lots of broken porcelain, is followed with a large, casual party that continues until the early hours of the morning.Customs China is smashed for good luck at the Polterabend - the more the better!The traditional rice toss is an ancient symbol of fertility. As the newlyweds leave the wedding chappel, they throw coins to the children watching.