Why is Christmas called Weihnachten in German?

Weihnachten – What Does the German Word for Christmas Literally Mean? The German word for Christmas, Weihnachten, comes from the Middle High German ze den wihen nahten, which means “in the consecrated, holy nights.” If you pull the word apart, you can see two parts: Weih and Nacht.

What is the meaning of Weihnachten?

noun. Christmas [noun] an annual festival in memory of the birth of Christ, held on December 25, Christmas Day.

What is the meaning of Frohliche Weihnachten?

Frohe/Fröhliche Weihnachten! Merry Christmas!

Why is Weihnachten celebrated?

Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. The name 'Christmas' comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A Mass service (which is sometimes called Communion or Eucharist) is where Christians remember that Jesus died for us and then came back to life.

What do Germans call Xmas?

Christmas Day is called 'Erster Feiertag' Unlike Christmas Day celebrations in England, the Germans know 25th December as 'Erster Feiertag', which means first celebration day.

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Where is Weihnachten celebrated in Germany?

Order of events

Although there are two legal holidays in Germany, [Austria], most cantons of Switzerland and Liechtenstein for Christmas, Christmas Eve is not one of them, and in Switzerland, many companies and stores are open for a half-day in the morning until 4 p.m, after which celebrations begin.

How long is Weihnachten?

Christians have historically celebrated a period of 12 days surrounding Christmas. The nearly two-week time period starts and ends with two pretty significant holidays: Christmas on December 25 and the Epiphany on January 6.

What is Santa called in Germany?

Traditionally, Santa Claus, or Weihnachtsmann in German, does not drop down chimneys and deliver gifts the eve of Dec. 25 in Germany. Instead, the Christkind or Christkindl, an angel-like creature with blond hair and wings, brings gifts to families on the eve of Christmas.

What gender is Weihnachten?

As you know, compound nouns (generally) adapt the gender of the last compound part. Thus "Weihnacht" (from "Die Nacht") is female.

What language is Frohe Weihnachten?

Here's to the holidays, German style

The most common way to wish someone a merry Christmas in German is to tell them, "Frohe Weihnachten." Directly translated, that means merry Christmas. The German language tends to follow its rules pretty well when it comes to pronouncing a word.

What does the word Frohe mean?

jolly, merry, sportive.

Where did Weihnachten come from?

The German word “Weihnachten” is Nordic/Germanic and has its origins in Middle High German: “wihe naht” (consecrated or holy night). The first written mention of the word “Weihnachten” was found in a document from 1170 (“ze den wihen nahten” = in den heiligen Nächten = in the holy nights).

What do Australia call Christmas?

Although we know it as Christmas in July, Australians call this second celebration Yuletide or Yulefest. Since it's colder in July down under, Christmas can finally be celebrated with drinks by the fire and getting cozy in warm attire.

Why Orthodox celebrate Christmas on January 7th?

Orthodox Christmas day occurs every January 7 because the Orthodox Church still chooses to celebrate the birth of Jesus as per the Julian calendar. The Gregorian calendar that is currently in use today led to a new Christmas Day on December 25 due to the addition of new elements that changed the calendar year.

What's the difference between Christmas and Orthodox Christmas?

Christians of the Western rite celebrate Christmas by the Gregorian calendar - from December 24 to December 25, while Eastern Christians celebrate Christmas according to the Julian calendar, that is, from January 6 to January 7.

What pagan holiday did Christmas replace?

Saturnalia, held in mid-December, is an ancient Roman pagan festival honoring the agricultural god Saturn. Saturnalia celebrations are the source of many of the traditions we now associate with Christmas.

How do Bavarians say Merry Christmas?

People will say "Frohe Weihnachten" (Merry Christmas) to you even on the street, and it will become more frequent as Christmas Eve gets close. Frohe Weihnachten! Merry Christmas!

How do you say I wish you a Merry Christmas in German?

What does Germany eat for Christmas?

The traditional Christmas meal features duck, goose, rabbit or a roast. This main dish is accompanied by German delicacies such as apple and sausage stuffing, red cabbage and potato dumplings. Dessert typically includes Christmas Stollen, considered one of the best Christmas pastries in the world!

What does Australia call Santa?

On Christmas Eve, the children are told, Father Christmas or Santa Claus visits houses placing presents for children under the Christmas tree or in stockings or sacks which are usually hung by a fireplace.

Do Methodists believe Christmas?

With other Christian churches, Triune United Methodist Church celebrates the special days of the Christmas season (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany) and the Easter season (Lent, Easter, Pentecost) as well as special Christian days that fall during what is known as Ordinary Time.

What is Christmas called in China?

The small number of Christians in China call Christmas Sheng Dan Jieh, which means Holy Birth Festival. They decorate their homes with evergreens, posters, and bright paper chains.