Sweet Gifts of a Catholic Childhood in the Saarland

Description

The Saarland is Germany’s smallest Bundesland, and statistically its most Catholic. Catholic customs and traditions pattern community life in the region, from annual events such as parish festivals, feast day processions and carnival to life events such as baptisms and first communions. Many of these include foods, usually sweets, that are gifted to local children. In this paper, I will investigate some of the sweet Catholic childhood traditions of the Saarland, such as Taufgutzje (baptism sweets), Faasendgutzje (carnival sweets), the Sternsinger of epiphany, the Martinsbrezel (St Martin’s pretzel), the Nikolausteller (St Nikolaus’ plate) and others besides. My paper will also comprise an oral history element as I will compare my own memories (*1978) to those of my mother (*1944).

Period	Oct 2023
Event title	Food and Drink as...
Event type	Conference
Location	Krakow, PolandShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International