A German Smoker Witch is a fantastic decoration for Halloween, Christmas, or even Walpurgisnacht! I know we associate Räuchermannchen with Christmas. But, since smokers are just decorative incense burners, you can display different styles all year. What child wouldn’t love watching a smoking witch? Or a witch with a bubbly cauldron? Incense comes in many scents; you can easily find…
Author: karenanne
A Generous Germanfest Milwaukee Community Donates to Kids
In a tremendous display of generosity, the Germanfest Milwaukee community and the Freistadt Alte Kameraden donated over $10,000 to children’s charities this week. It just goes to show you that a little effort, combined with a big heart adds up to some amazing things. Germanfest Milwaukee Community Donates $10,000 to Kids Eric Radue, the Germanfest President, members of the Germanfest…
German Cakes Quiz- How well do YOU know your Traditional German Cakes?
One of my favorite German Traditions is the Sunday afternoon Kaffee and Kuchen. You sit down with family and friends at a beautifully set table and enjoy a selection of cakes! It’s a wonderful way to slow down and catch up with those you love. Plus, there’s cake…. But, how well do you know your German cakes? Would you…
Orderly and Humane – German Refugees from World War 2
I grew up with family stories about the German refugees from World War 2. Both of my parents came from the east, Mama from Silesia, Dad from Brandenburg, and both lost their homes. I had heard about Donau Schwaben and stories about staying ahead of the Soviet Army. About being expelled from homes and villages. About leaving houses, friends,…
German Alpine Hat Pins – History & Collecting
Every time I go to a German Fest or Oktoberfest, I see large collections of German Alpine Hat Pins. So, of course I got curious… why? History of German Pin Collecting My degree in history means I can’t just leave things alone. I had to do a little digging. Most references for German Pin Collecting talk about Military Insignia Pins……
Buy A Rare Dirndl: My Fantastic Rare Dirndl Experience
As strange as it may sound to many of you, before this year, I never owned a Dirndl. Not even as a child. But… since I’m attending a lot more German Festivals these days, it was pointed out to me, that I would fit in better if I wore one. True enough. But I didn’t want something typically Bavarian (my…
Bavarian Dialect Quiz- Can you speak Bayrisch?
As you know, German is not just one language, there are loads of dialects across the country. In Bavaria they speak Bayrisch… and to the outside world, it may seem like an impossible code to crack. How well do you understand Bavarian Dialect? Take this Bavarian Dialect Quiz to see! Special Thanks to Bob and Rosie Forster for putting this together…
Schwenker Grill Time! German Style Grilling and Marinade
Deep in one of my mom’s photo albums is this photo of my Uncle using his German Schwenker Grill. He took his job very seriously. We kids weren’t allowed to fool with it. My family made an all-day event out of it, which explains why so many bottles of beer are on the table. What is a Schwenker Grill? It…