Why Breaking Dishes Brings Good Luck in Germany 🇩🇪
Germany, land of rigor? Not when it comes to superstitions! Between smashing plates and looking into each other's eyes, the rules are strict.
Germany: land of rigor, precision and order? Not when it comes to superstitions! 🇩🇪 Germans have developed very specific traditions, often related to social life, marriage and celebrations.
Between smashing dishes to bring luck to newlyweds, looking into each other's eyes when toasting (under penalty of 7 years of bad luck), or never wishing someone a happy birthday in advance... The rules are strict and taken very seriously!
Sit back with a beer: we're going to discover why Germans break plates before a wedding and why you absolutely must look into each other's eyes when saying "Prost !". 🍺
🍽️ Polterabend: Breaking Dishes for Good Luck
In Germany, before a wedding, you don't throw rice or confetti. You smash porcelain on the ground! This tradition is called "Polterabend" (noisy evening) and usually takes place the night before the wedding.
The German saying is clear: "Scherben bringen Glück" (Shards bring luck). Guests bring ceramic dishes (plates, cups, bowls) and throw them in front of the future newlyweds' door. The more shards, the more luck the couple will have!
⚠️ Important Rule
Never glass! Only ceramics. Glass brings bad luck according to German tradition. The newlyweds must then clean up the shards together, which symbolizes their ability to overcome difficulties together.
The origin of this tradition probably dates back to the Middle Ages, when breaking dishes was a way to ward off evil spirits. Today, it has become a joyful celebration where neighbors and friends gather to celebrate the future newlyweds.
💡 Did You Know?
In some regions of Germany, Polterabend can last all night! Guests continue to break dishes until the newlyweds come out to clean up. It's a way to test their patience and sense of humor before the big day.
🍺 The Toast (Prost !): Looking into Each Other's Eyes
This is one of Germany's strictest rules: when toasting, you MUST look into each other's eyes. Otherwise? Legend says you'll have 7 years of bad sex (or 7 years of bad luck, according to the softer version).
This superstition is taken very seriously, especially in southern Germany and Austria. If you toast without looking your partner in the eye, you risk getting a disapproving look or even a direct remark!
The origin of this belief probably dates back to the Middle Ages, when eye contact was a sign of trust. Avoiding the other person's gaze during a toast could be interpreted as a lack of respect or even as a sign of betrayal.
💡 Did You Know?
In Germany, it's also frowned upon to toast with water or non-alcoholic drinks during a toast with beer or wine. Some even say you must say "Prost !" (Cheers!) while looking each person in the eye, even in a large group.
🎂 Early Birthday: Never Before the Date!
In Germany, you must NEVER wish someone a happy birthday before the exact date. It's considered to bring bad luck for the coming year. Even if it's the day before, even if it's a few hours before midnight, it's a strict taboo.
This superstition is so ingrained that even birthday cards are often sent with instructions not to open them before the day. Some Germans even refuse to talk about their upcoming birthday, for fear of attracting bad luck.
The origin of this belief probably dates back to the idea that wishing for something before it happens can "tempt fate" and cause the event to fail. It's a way to protect the person from the evil eye.
💡 Did You Know?
In Germany, it's also frowned upon to celebrate a birthday too early. Some even say that if you wish someone a happy birthday in advance, you must immediately touch wood to cancel the bad luck. But it's best to wait until the exact day!
🧹 The Chimney Sweep (Schornsteinfeger): Good Luck Charm
In Germany, meeting a chimney sweep (Schornsteinfeger) brings good luck, especially if you touch their golden buttons. This superstition is very popular, especially in northern Germany.
German chimney sweeps traditionally wear a black uniform with golden buttons. Touching these buttons, especially the first button, is supposed to bring luck for the day or even for the coming year.
The origin of this belief dates back to the 19th century, when chimney sweeps were considered bearers of luck because they cleaned chimneys and prevented fires. Their black uniform and golden buttons made them easily recognizable.
💡 Did You Know?
In Germany, there are even greeting cards with chimney sweeps to bring good luck. Some people keep a small chimney sweep figurine in their home or car to attract luck. It has become a national symbol of good fortune!
🎯 In Summary
German superstitions are deeply rooted in Germanic culture. From Polterabend where dishes are broken to bring luck to newlyweds, to toasts where you must absolutely look into each other's eyes, to the ban on wishing someone a happy birthday in advance and the chimney sweep who brings luck... Each tradition has its story, often linked to the Middle Ages, social life or celebrations. 🇩🇪
👉 Prost ! And keep your eyes open. On AmStramGram, we don't judge: we offer tools to play with chance (dice, wheel, coin flip) or to give meaning to the day (horoscope, luck of the day).
No Need to Break Dishes to Try Your Luck!
Test your Luck of the Day or your Horoscope to see if the stars are with you — or roll the Dice to challenge pure chance.
💬 Commentaires
Chargement des commentaires…
Laisser un commentaire