New Year, it might be celebrated in different ways by different cultures and religions but giving thanks for the previous year, together with anticipation and hope that a good year lies ahead, remain the central focus in all of them.

A Sylvester and The New Year in Germany is the subject of this weeks article, and it is a mixture of ancient and relatively modern tradition, based in part on customs from the country's Pagan past, but all are designed to ensure that the coming year will have the best chance possible of becoming a vintage one.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art17911.asp



While a popular drink to have during the evening while waiting for midnight to arrive is Feuerzangenbowle, a Traditional Hot Punch, and here is a Recipe.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art12552.asp




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

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