Fasnet or Fastnacht or Fasching

This week was again the annual Fasnet parade and celebrations - a German tradition that has its roots in paganism and dates back to the Middle Ages. Sadly, it has been integrated into the Roman Catholic church over the centuries. Part of it includes driving out the winter spirits by dressing up in hideous, grotesque costumes. It's kind of like a week long Halloween party. There is a lot of drunkenness, debauchery and outright immorality. In fact, in other parts of Germany, it's called 'Carnival'. Like in New Orleans with its Mardi Gras / Carnival.

As many know, the 40 days before Easter, the period of Lent is a time of quiet reflection upon the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for the sin of the world (you know I had to get that in there!). During Lent many Catholics would fast from certain foods, there would be no drinking, wild behavior, etc.

So the night before the start of the fast they would go wild and 'get everything out of their system' so to speak. Hence the name 'fastnacht' - 'the night before the fast' (nacht is German for night). Eating and drinking, rowdy behavior, indulgence in the lusts and sins of the flesh are all acceptable ways to 'get it out' before the fast. It's kind of like purging yourself through partying. In fact, did you know that the word 'Carnival' comes from the Latin word for flesh - carnis? Yep, this is a time where the sins of the flesh are allowed and accepted and even expected!

For example, a female friend of ours was riding on the streetcar in town several years ago during Fastnacht when a guy rudely propositioned her sexually. She replied "no, never" and that she was married. And his answer was "well that's ok, it doesn't matter, that's what Fasnet is for!" So you can imagine the mindset and attitudes of people during this 'holiday'. It's just another excuse (as if they needed any!) to get drunk, get girls/guys and 'let loose'.