In Germany, many commonly held superstitions or “Aberglaube” are similar to those of the United States. (Kzenon (Adobe Stock))
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Superstition is a “widely held but irrational belief in supernatural influences, especially as leading to good or bad luck…” In the States, we jump out of the way of black cats, avoid walking beneath ladders and try not to associate anything with the number 13 for fear of bad luck.
In Germany, many commonly held superstitions or “Aberglaube” are similar. For instance, shattering a mirror brings misfortune and throwing a pinch of spilled salt over your shoulder will ward off evil spirits. However, there are a few different ones which may surprise you.
The “Aberglaube” everyone should know
If you’ve got a favorite pub or bar, be sure to knock of the “Stammtisch” or regulars’ table. According to the lore, tables are traditionally made of oak.
Oak wood is considered holy, which the devil can’t touch. So, by knocking on the table, you’re proving to your peeps you’re not the devil. Win, win for everyone.
Americans tend to cross their fingers for good luck, or use the phrase, “I’ll keep my fingers crossed!” Don’t. In Germany, crossing those digits means you’re lying and dishonest. Instead, press your thumbs together or say, “Ich drüke dir die Daumen!” — “I press my thumbs for you!”
If we know our friend is celebrating another trip around the sun, there’s usually no harm in wishing them a happy day before their actual birthday.
If we know our friend is celebrating another trip around the sun, there’s usually no harm in wishing them a happy day before their actual birthday. (Prostock-studio (Adobe Stock))
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Germans believe this is bad form and could bring bad luck, so please just wait until the actual day for well wishes and celebrations.
Even if you choose not to imbibe the local brews, be sure you don’t “Prost!” with water. Essentially, you’d be wishing death upon your drinking buddies. Not exactly the best way to make new friends.
Old folklore has it out for elderly women. It’s said if you walk between two “old ladies,” you’re bringing nothing but trouble upon yourself.
Shaking hands with your neighborhood chimney sweep is thought to bring good luck, especially around the New Year.
To welcome a new neighbor or attending a housewarming event, bringing “Brot und Salz” (bread and salt) would be perfectly acceptable. This signifies wishes of the residents not going hungry in their new home.
To welcome a new neighbor or attending a housewarming event, bringing “Brot und Salz” (bread and salt) would be perfectly acceptable. (Stepanek Photography (Adobe Stock))
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Just be sure to leave any knives at home; these are considered harbingers of injury and death. Definitely not a good first impression.
With good hygiene practices on the forefront of our minds, covering you mouth when yawning is not only polite and helps control the spread of germs, but it also helps ward off any evil spirits lurking around. Covering up prevents any demons from entering your body.
As you navigate the superstitious waters of German culture, I’ll press my thumbs for you and raise my favorite Hefeweizen while yelling “Prost!”
