The parade in Rohr is one of the longest in this area. Local clubs called Landjugend (the country youth club) made floats. Some of the floats looked like ski huts or hunting lodges. Other floats had themes like Mario Kart, Harry Potter or the NFL.
I was surprised to learn that Fasching is a religious holiday. Next Wednesday is the start of a time called Lent. Lent is a time when Christains are supposed to fast, or not eat a lot, and live religiously. In the past, people weren’t allowed to consume meat, eggs, alcohol or butter during Lent. Lent lasts from late February until Easter, which is about 40 days. How do you prepare for 40 days of religious fasting? By throwing a giant party and eating a lot of candy, of course!
Today, life is different. Germany is a diverse country, and not everyone celebrates Lent. People who do celebrate, don’t have to fast anymore. Still, the tradition of having a party for a week in February remains.
This type of tradition is common in many countries where lots of Christians live. The French have a similar tradition you might know about called Mardi Gras. That means “Fat Tuesday,” and it’s also a chance to party and eat before Lent. However, there is a theory that Lent traditions are also connected to the environment.
Imagine, again, that you are a farmer in the past, growing food to survive. In the spring, you would plant your crops. In the summer, you would be able to eat certain vegetables. During the fall you would harvest your food.
