How to Celebrate Autumn in Germany
Autumn is a little different this year. No one’s talking about Halloween costumes or hanging fake ghosts and cobwebs from their doorways. The stores aren’t selling fake spiders and bats. And I’ve only seen a few Halloween garlands for sale at a place called McPaper. So while everyone in the US and Canada are decking out for the autumn holidays, we’re not here.
In fact, most doorways in Berlin, Germany are looking about like this right now:
I’m not disappointed or sad about the season here. It’s still my favorite time of year, and I kind of expected Germans not to go all-out in their seasonal decor. Halloween is slowly gaining popularity, and Thanksgiving, well that’s obviously a very American and Canadian holiday, so no turkey decor and nicknacks. Holidays are a little different here. I thought I’d be sad by this change, but I’m not.
I’m learning how to embrace the season a little differently.
This year, it isn’t about the Halloween candy or fake cobwebs. It’s a season of embracing harvest and the beauty of our surroundings. My favorite part of this season in Berlin is the outdoor markets. They were fun in the summer, but now they feel magical. People walk home with bags filled with apples and squashes. They carry fresh, beautiful bouquets of autumn flowers, and kids scoop up the piles of leaves and stomp through them. One kid I saw was heartbroken because his mom wouldn’t let him bring his handful of new-found leaves into the bakery where she wanted to get some apple and plum cakes when the bakers at the market had sold out. This is autumn in Berlin.
I love my new home! …even if pumpkin is being sold by the chunk for baking (above) instead of carving.
(Image by Katie for Making This Home)
Keep it green and simple with 2 more ideas:
October 20th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Thanks for sharing Autumn in Berlin!
Enjoy the season this new way!
October 20th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
What a perfect Fall post! I must say, I do admire them. That they don’t use pumpkins as jack-o-lanterns or as decorations. Rather, they use them as they were meant to be–as food. And they aren’t all caught up in the commercialism of the holiday.
Happy Fall!
K-
October 20th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
What a neat way to enjoy the season… in another country! I love outdoor markets. They are magical.
October 20th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Love the farmers market pictures- Thanks for sharing how you celabrate in Berlin- it’s a nice reminder that blogging is “world wide”
October 20th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
It’s the same in Switzerland…, no pumpkins, ghost and spiderwebs on porches…and I haven’t really adapted to the American style of Halloween celebration living here in Southern New England…, love the market picks!
October 20th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
pumpkins by the chunk – just like watermelon here in the states! I’ve never heard of that. I love outdoor markets. Thank you for sharing fall from where you are. :)
October 21st, 2008 at 3:06 am
Thanks for the insight into fall in Germany. I enjoyed the photos.
October 21st, 2008 at 3:24 am
I like a regular Autumn season – I can do without ghosts and goblins and witches! My son lives in Germany, near Ansbach, and said there’s really no trace of Halloween at all.
And I love the farmers markets!
October 21st, 2008 at 4:52 am
I really enjoyed your blog. It goes with my deep seated conviction that life is what you make it and beauty is all around. Thanks for sharing Autumn in Germany with us.
October 21st, 2008 at 6:00 am
Those market photos are gorgeous. I would trade fake cobwebs for them any day.
October 21st, 2008 at 6:50 am
I love hearing about how people in other countries celebrate, decorate for or simply enjoy the seasons! I enjoyed your post, thanks for sharing it!
Happy Fall!
Melissa
October 21st, 2008 at 9:55 am
I’m baking a pumpkin as we speak! No Halloween here in Spain, either, but since I’ve never celebrated it… But actually, I’m getting very jealous of every single webpage/blog showing off decorations, etc.!
Enjoy those markets, right now the only thing I’m enjoying is my sofa, a blanket and some hot tea (and a mountain of kleenex)!
October 21st, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Very lovely ‘take’ on fall. Sort of God’s way huh…just being thankful and rejoicing in the beauty around us. I really enjoyed seeing your pictures….thank you.
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:36 pm
the farmers markets and other festivals are really the best part of fall in Germany – thanks for the photos. Farmers markets aside I’ve been surprised at how much Halloween stuff (costumes, decorations, parties) is showing up around our small town…
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:36 pm
What a plesant look into a different culture! I love to travel and experience other countries’ customs–that’s great that you are enjoying the differences! Your farmer’s market looks wonderful!!
October 25th, 2008 at 5:01 am
Ohhhh, this is making me want to be back in Germany so badly! I loved the outdoor markets and how the Germans just love the natural and outdoors (all Europeans really).
I think the younger teenagers are into Halloween…well the rowdy destruction part. That’s what I remember hearing down in Stuttgart. Maybe I’m cofusing it with Silvester though.
Thanks for submitting your post again!
October 25th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I love the pictures! Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with us.
I found your blog on BATW.
October 26th, 2008 at 1:52 am
I love your photos of the markets. And I love that they sell pumpkin to bake with – yummy! I found your site through my friend Kate’s Big Piece of Cake. Great find!