Category: German-Americans

Embracing German Traditions: January Celebrations in America with a Twist

German Heritage Talk, German Heritage USA, German-Americans

It’s almost January in Germany, and the party is just getting started in America. While Octoberfest might be the first thing that comes to mind when considering German-American celebrations, the truth is, the rich heritage of German culture offers unique celebrations throughout the year.

January, often painted as a quiet month after the holiday flurry, holds vibrant traditions in Germany that have found a warm welcome in the hearts of German-Americans. Prepare to delve into the magic of these winter festivities, where customs from the old world intertwine with American flair, creating a truly unique experience.

Neujahr: Ringing in the New Year with German Cheer

New Year’s Day, or Neujahr in German, is a national holiday in both Germany and the United States. While Americans raise champagne flutes at midnight, German-Americans often enjoy a different kind of bubbly cheer: Feuerzangenbowle. This fiery punch, prepared with rum-soaked sugar set ablaze, brings warmth and excitement to the festivities.

German-American communities often host Bleigießen, a traditional fortune-telling ritual using melted lead poured into water. The resulting shapes are interpreted to provide glimpses into the coming year, adding a touch of playful mysticism to the celebrations.

Heilige Drei Könige: Epiphany with a Caroling Twist

Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th, holds special significance for both religious and cultural reasons. In Germany, it’s known as Heilige Drei Könige (Three Kings’ Day), marking the arrival of the Magi. While it’s not a national holiday in the US, German-American communities keep the tradition alive with unique twists.

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Thomas Nast: A German-American Icon and the Father of American Cartooning

German American History, German Heritage Talk, German-Americans, Holidays & Celebrations

In the vibrant melting pot of American history, one cannot ignore the significant contributions made by individuals of diverse backgrounds. Among these notable figures is Thomas Nast, a German-American artist and political cartoonist who left an indelible mark on the landscape of American journalism during the 19th century.

This blog post explores the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of Thomas Nast from the unique perspective of his German heritage and the impact he had on shaping American political discourse and of course, Santa Claus himself.

Early Life and Immigration:

Thomas Nast was born on September 27, 1840, in Landau, in the Kingdom of Bavaria, now part of modern-day Germany. His family emigrated to the United States when he was just six years old, seeking refuge and a better life in the wake of political turmoil in Europe. The Nast family settled in New York City, where young Thomas’s artistic talents began to flourish.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence:

Nast’s artistic abilities did not go unnoticed. His passion for drawing led him to a position at Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, where he quickly gained recognition for his skillful illustrations. However, it was at Harper’s Weekly, a prominent publication of the time, that Nast would truly make his mark.

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How German immigrants embraced the American Turkey on Thanksgiving

German American History, German Festivals USA, German Heritage Talk, German-Americans

Thanksgiving, a quintessential American holiday, has a complex and fascinating history that intertwines with the tales of immigrants who brought their traditions across oceans. Among these pioneers were German immigrants, whose gradual adoption of turkey as the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast unfolded over generations, leaving an indelible mark on the evolving culinary landscape of America.

When German immigrants arrived in America, they brought with them a rich history of traditions, including their own version of a Thanksgiving celebration known as “Erntedankfest.” In Germany, Erntedankfest typically takes place in September or October, marking the end of the harvest season. It is a time for communities to come together and express gratitude for the abundance of the harvest, often featuring church services, parades, and festive meals.

Upon settling in America, German immigrants found themselves in a new cultural landscape, and one of the first adjustments they made was to the timing of Thanksgiving. In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, a date that holds historical significance dating back to the early days of the nation. The German immigrants embraced this new tradition, blending elements of Erntedankfest with the American Thanksgiving festivities.

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Backyard Biergarten – How To Create for Summertime Fun

Biergartens, German Heritage Talk, German Heritage USA, German-Americans, Germany, history

Creating your own Backyard Biergarten at your home can be tons of fun, especially when family, close friends and all your neighbors can share in the enjoyment of it all. 

beer-garden

Your own Backyard Biergarten is a real fun project to create and you really can make it as simple or elaborate as you may wish. After all, it is your backyard.

The first part of creating a viable Biergarten in your backyard is knowing the history of Biergartens in Germany. It is true that Biergartens originated in the 19th century in Munich, the capital of the German state of Bavaria.

The large breweries back then dug cellars in the banks near rivers to keep their beer cool during storage. During both the Spring and Summer months they would bring the beer out to enjoy under shade trees in a natural setting outdoors.

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Maifest Celebrations of German Heritage across America

German Festivals USA, German Heritage Talk, German-Americans, Holidays & Celebrations

It’s fun to see the popularity of German Heritage related Maifest celebrations increasing all across America.

The first of May is always a public holiday all throughout greater Germany.

Also known as Der Erste Mai or Tag der Arbeit, this first day in May was the historic start of an ancient festival to welcome the spring weather and to drive away all evil spirits.

It’s also an occasion to celebrate workers rights like Labor Day in the United States.

Mai pole

In recent years, the Maibaum (maypole) is a much decorated, tall wooden pole made up to showcase the history of trades and crafts of the local town where it’s located.

It is celebrated with a long precession of music and dance.

Maifest in America is very popular as well. One of the largest celebrations of Maifest within the USA is in Cincinnati, Ohio which has been celebrating it since 1873. 

2017-maifest-postcard-handbill-01Organized by the Germania Society Of Cincinnati, this Maifest celebration doesn’t start until May 19th, 20th and 21st 2017.

Take a look at their Maifest promotional “commercial” videos from last year. Sure looks like a lot of German Heritage fun!

The annual Maifest celebration in Leavenworth Washington is always a spectacular event. This magical Bavarian hamlet of the northwest always knows how to do it right.

maifest leavenworthSource: @ Reed Carlson

Of course the city of Chicago won’t begin their annual Maifest celebrations until the month of June. Maybe for the same reasons Oktoberfest in Germany takes place in September.

maifest_2017_sched

One of the most popular celebrations of Maifest within the USA is that of Brenham, Texas that originally started it’s first Maifest celebration in 1881.

brenham

This town of Brenham TX has strong German ancestry roots.

Brenham’s Maifest celebration may be a bit watered down these days, but it continues to be a very popular and ongoing attraction for all weekend long that showcases Brenham’s proud German Heritage with historical demonstrations, music, dance, merchandise and displays.

There you have it. It doesn’t really matter if it’s May 1st or the end of June… Maifest is a big part of your proud German Heritage to experience and enjoy!

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German Heritage in New Braunfels Texas Town Square

German American History, German Heritage Talk, German-Americans

It’s always fun to discover historical information about German Heritage across America. Today we take a look at the German influence and history of the town square in New Braunsfels, Texas.

New Braunfels TexasSource: Texas Historical Comission

Below is a video from the Texas Historical Commission that provides an introduction to the architectural history of New Braunfels’ town square that was produced for a Texas Time Travel Tours heritage travel app. 

New Braunfels, Texas was established in 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels. He was titled as the royal Commissioner General of the Adelsverein, also known as the Noblemen’s Society. It’s recognized in German as Mainzer Adelsverein.

Prince Solms named the settlement in honor of his home town of Solms-Braunfels, Germany.

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German dialect in Texas is one of a kind, and dying out

German Heritage Talk, German-Americans, GermanNationUSA

 

German Heritage in Texas – It’s a culture into itself…

German dialect in Texas is one of a kind, and dying out

The first German settlers arrived in Texas over 150 years ago and successfully passed on their native language throughout the generations – until now.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22490560

It’s always interesting to see the German influence in small businesses throughout Texas. See the video inside the article link above for additional insights…

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GermanNationUSA – Your German Heritage Is Calling You…

German Festivals USA, German Genealogy, German Heritage Talk, German Restaurants USA, German-Americans, German-Surnames, GermanNationUSA, Oktoberfest - USA

About GermanNationUSA – Your German Heritage Is Calling You…

If you are of German ancestry, you will really come to love visiting our ever populating German Heritage website named, “GermanNationUSA”. It is here where you will always discover new and interesting stories, videos, pictures, commentary and facts regarding your German heritage. It is always a fun German Heritage related “Hub” to frequent!

German Heritage in the USA!

Your German Heritage Is Calling You...

www.GermanNationUSA.com

The GermanNationUSA website is designed to be informative, educational, entertaining and quite a captivating for anyone of German Heritage and other people with German related interest and passion.

The primary focal point for GermanNationUSA will certainly be structured around the presentation of German related heritage, tourism & commerce within the confines of the USA and parts of Canada too.

We will showcase everything from German restaurants, deli’s and bakeries to German influenced tourism destinations and special events like Oktoberfest all across the USA!

 

As one would observe it from a German-American perspective, it seems to be somewhat of an emotional destiny quest for thousands of German-Americans that are both curious and anxious to get back in touch with their Germanic roots to seek out and experience anything German… it’s truly a genuine attraction phenomenon.

Although GermanNationUSA is still in its early stages of development, consider it an ever evolving effort as its pages are continually being populated and updated with relevant fresh content, pictures, videos, music, widgets, advertising and multiple viral social features as well to ensure mass visitor traffic and visitor interactive participation too!

Come explore www.GermanNationUSA.com and The Guten Tag Times newsletter as we continue to expand on your German Heritage experience in the USA and create a lot of fun and entertainment doing it!

~ Prost!

GermanNationUSA is the Official Site of German heritage, tourism and commerce within the USA.

Discover Amerika… visit Germany stateside!

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