Mettenschicht facts for kids
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The Mettenschicht is a special old tradition from Germany. It comes from the Ore Mountains, a region famous for its mining history. It's the very last work shift miners would do before Christmas. This shift would end early with a fun celebration and a tasty meal.
How Miners Celebrated Mettenschicht
The Mettenschicht was the most important Christmas party for miners in the Ore Mountains. This area was mostly Protestant. In other parts of Germany, where miners were Catholic, they celebrated St Barbara's Day more. People first wrote about the Mettenschicht in the early 1600s.
The Steiger, who was like a foreman or boss, would end the shift early. He used a special knocking signal to tell the miners it was time to stop. This was called "knocking the miners out." After that, everyone went to the Huthaus. This was the main office building.
The Huthaus was decorated for the party. The Steiger would give a special talk, like a sermon. The miners would sing traditional songs, such as Der Steiger. They sang to thank God for the valuable things they found in the mine.
The celebration ended with a simple, traditional meal. Miners often ate bratwurst with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut. They might also have special herbal schnapps and a cigar. Sometimes, they enjoyed glühwein, tea, or bread with bacon fat.
Mettenschicht Today
The idea of the Mettenschicht has spread. Now, many old mines that are open to visitors celebrate it. They use it as a way to have a Christmas party with mining traditions. Some celebrations are very old-fashioned and happen right inside the mine. These are often for people who support the mine.
Other Mettenschicht events are for the public. You can buy tickets to attend them. Some are big folk events held in city halls. They are often for groups on bus tours. These events help keep the old mining traditions alive.
