Summer has arrived, the first soft fruits are ready to be picked and enjoyed, and 'Pfingstrosen' (Pentecost Roses), Peonies, are to be found everywhere.

Pentecost and the beginning of ongoing project the annual 'Rumtopf' don't always coincide, however it happens this year and both 'traditions' are covered in the latest articles from the German Culture site:


RUMTOPF, GERMANY'S FRUIT AND RUM POT, RECIPE

The centuries old Rumtopf tradition, conserving soft seasonal fruit in sugar and rum during the summer and early autumn months, long ago led to the fruit and rum pot becoming an indispensible, and enjoyable, part of Christmastime celebrations, and a warming treat during Germany’s winter months.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art172009.asp


PENTECOST AND CORPUS CHRISTI IN GERMANY

Pfingsten and Fronleichnam, Pentecost and Corpus Christi, are major Christian festivals in Germany. As religious and public holidays with special services and processions, as well as secular and pre-Christian traditions, they bring to an end the religious celebrations that began in early spring with Palm Sunday.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art172017.asp





germanculture.bellaonline.com is your source for many articles covering 'life and living' in Germany, and there is a companion forum

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=247

If you have any comments, questions or ideas for topics you would like featured, please let me know, either through the forum or in response to this email message.



Francine McKenna, German Culture Editor
http://germanculture.bellaonline.com