Nikolaustag Borkum: Uralter Frauen-Schlag-Brauch

BREDO

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Post on Nov 30, 2024

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Nikolaustag auf Borkum: Uralter Frauen-Schlag-Brauch – Meine ganz persönliche Erfahrung

Hey Leute! Let's talk about something pretty unique – Nikolaustag on Borkum. I mean, who knew a seemingly innocent St. Nicholas Day could have such a wild side? I certainly didn't until I, uh, experienced it firsthand.

This whole "Frauen-Schlag-Brauch" thing… it's a tradition, apparently, a really old one. Basically, on December 6th, men on Borkum, dressed as St. Nicholas and his helpers (Krampusse, usually!), go around and, well, playfully whack women with birch branches. Playfully, supposedly.

<h3>Meine erste Begegnung mit dem Nikolaustag auf Borkum</h3>

My first Nikolaustag on Borkum was… eventful. I'd heard whispers, sure, but nothing prepared me for the reality. It was cold, raining sideways, and I was happily sipping Glühwein, enjoying the festive atmosphere in the harbour when BAM! A guy dressed as Krampus, complete with scary mask and what looked like a seriously sturdy birch branch, came charging at me.

I yelped. I swear I almost spilled my Glühwein everywhere. Panic! Total panic. I mean, I'm no stranger to a bit of roughhousing, but this was unexpected. He whacked me (gently, I'll admit, but still!) with the branch, yelled something unintelligible in Low German, and then disappeared as fast as he’d arrived.

It took me a minute to process what just happened. Was I supposed to laugh? Was I supposed to be offended? I honestly had no idea. Later I learned it’s supposed to be a playful, good-luck ritual. But the initial shock...yeah, that was real.

<h3>Was genau bedeutet der Frauen-Schlag-Brauch?</h3>

This whole "Frauen-Schlag" thing is, as I said, a pretty ancient tradition on Borkum. I've done some digging (mostly after my Glühwein-soaked fright), and it seems to be linked to fertility rites and warding off evil spirits. Think of it as a kind of symbolic cleansing or blessing for the year ahead. It's definitely one of Borkum's more… unique aspects. Interesting, yeah, but I wasn't exactly prepared for it.

And that's the key lesson here, friends. Do your research! Before you visit somewhere, especially for a unique cultural event like this one, do some digging! Find out what local customs are like. It helps avoid being completely caught off guard. Not saying I want to get hit with a birch branch every year, but hey, at least it made for an unforgettable story.

<h3>Tipps für euren Besuch auf Borkum an Nikolaustag</h3>

• Find out what to expect: Don't just blindly show up; read up about local traditions beforehand.
• Location, location, location: Different areas of Borkum might have varying levels of "enthusiasm" for the tradition.
• Embrace the unique experience: It’s definitely a memorable (and slightly chaotic) part of Borkum's culture.

So, yeah. Nikolaustag on Borkum. A mix of festive cheer, a little bit of chaos, and a whole lot of unexpected birch branches. But hey, at least I got a good story out of it, right? I hope this helps anyone else planning a trip! Let me know if you have any questions. I'm still trying to figure it all out myself! Bis bald!