Family Customs
German family customs and traditions are only one element of the larger culture within Germany. Evaluating statistics and celebrations it is evident that family is important and has a key role in German society. "Many of the traditions and practices (especially in the customs related to life cycles: birth, marriage, and death) in the area are linked to religious affiliations. Economic struggles might sometimes challenge the continuation of certain traditions, pushing people to adapt them (or reduce, or even cancel)"(Robila, 2004). Lastly, noting both family and religious influence are vital parts of custom and create deep rooted values that have characterized Germany.
Family Statistics:
"In 2000, two generations were living in 12.6 million households, that is a proportion of 33% of all households. Multi-generation households in Germany are made up almost exclusively of two-generation households, that is of families with parents and children" (Engstler & Menning, 2004).
"Although the proportion of children living in this type of family in West Germany has declined over the period 1972 to 2000 by some 10 percentage points, the “normal family” is still the predominant family environment for growing children. In 2000, 84% of all children under 18 lived together with married parents" (Engstler & Menning, 2004).
"Of these 47,000 same sex partnerships, 59% are male couples and 41% female. There are children in one of eight same sex partnerships, in one in three at least one partner had been formerly married" (Engstler & Menning, 2004).
"As the child grows older, time spent both on child care and time spent together with the child declines" (Engstler & Menning, 2004).
Trends in marriages have been marked by the following characteristics since the mid- 1970’s, some of which have become more pronounced in recent years (Engstler & Menning, 2004):
Family Statistics:
"In 2000, two generations were living in 12.6 million households, that is a proportion of 33% of all households. Multi-generation households in Germany are made up almost exclusively of two-generation households, that is of families with parents and children" (Engstler & Menning, 2004).
"Although the proportion of children living in this type of family in West Germany has declined over the period 1972 to 2000 by some 10 percentage points, the “normal family” is still the predominant family environment for growing children. In 2000, 84% of all children under 18 lived together with married parents" (Engstler & Menning, 2004).
"Of these 47,000 same sex partnerships, 59% are male couples and 41% female. There are children in one of eight same sex partnerships, in one in three at least one partner had been formerly married" (Engstler & Menning, 2004).
"As the child grows older, time spent both on child care and time spent together with the child declines" (Engstler & Menning, 2004).
Trends in marriages have been marked by the following characteristics since the mid- 1970’s, some of which have become more pronounced in recent years (Engstler & Menning, 2004):
- The (renewed) rise in age at marriage.
- The increased number of those remaining unmarried, above all West German men,
- The growing number of divorces amongst married couples,
- More foreign and bi-national bridal couples,
- The sharp decline in marriages after 1989 in East Germany, combined with an abrupt rise in the age on marriage
- And the increase in the number of East German bridal couples with children born outside marriage which took place during the GDR era and continued after reunification.
Family Celebrations and Holidays
Christmas and Advent:
Since 68% of Germany is Protestant or Catholic Christmas and advent is usually a family celebrated holiday. "Christmas Eve, called Heiligabend, is the day that final decorations are put on the tree and families gather to share presents" (Kauther). This holiday is celebrated on the 25th of December and stresses togetherness and simplicity despite modern commercialization.
Traditional Kaffee und Kuchen:
"In between lunch and dinner, there is traditionally a short break for a social gathering around a piece of cake or two and a hot steaming cup of coffee or tea. This ritual is referred to as Kaffee und Kuchen, Kaffeetrinken, orKaffeeklatsch" (Kauther). Usually between 3-5pm it a time to get together with friends and family to talk and enjoy delicious sweets.
Day of German Unity:
Unity day celebrated on October 3 of every year is what Celebrating German Unity calls, "The Day of German Unity, Germany’s national holiday, marks the day in 1990 on which the German Democratic Republic (East) acceded to the Federal Republic of Germany. More than remembering the wall, fences and armed guards that separated East from West during the Cold War, the Day of German Unity is a time to celebrate the peaceful unification and a time to renew the commitment to using freedom to help shape our world" (Kauther). This celebration is similar to the U.S. 4th of July, celebrating freedom and the interconnectedness of Germany.
Since 68% of Germany is Protestant or Catholic Christmas and advent is usually a family celebrated holiday. "Christmas Eve, called Heiligabend, is the day that final decorations are put on the tree and families gather to share presents" (Kauther). This holiday is celebrated on the 25th of December and stresses togetherness and simplicity despite modern commercialization.
Traditional Kaffee und Kuchen:
"In between lunch and dinner, there is traditionally a short break for a social gathering around a piece of cake or two and a hot steaming cup of coffee or tea. This ritual is referred to as Kaffee und Kuchen, Kaffeetrinken, orKaffeeklatsch" (Kauther). Usually between 3-5pm it a time to get together with friends and family to talk and enjoy delicious sweets.
Day of German Unity:
Unity day celebrated on October 3 of every year is what Celebrating German Unity calls, "The Day of German Unity, Germany’s national holiday, marks the day in 1990 on which the German Democratic Republic (East) acceded to the Federal Republic of Germany. More than remembering the wall, fences and armed guards that separated East from West during the Cold War, the Day of German Unity is a time to celebrate the peaceful unification and a time to renew the commitment to using freedom to help shape our world" (Kauther). This celebration is similar to the U.S. 4th of July, celebrating freedom and the interconnectedness of Germany.