Ascension Day - Traditions
Though not in every country celebrated as a holiday, in the Netherlands it is a day off for (about) everyone. And as often with (Christian) holidays we have our traditions for the day. In the Netherlands Ascension Day means ' Dauwtrappen', which literally translates to 'kicking dew'.
The idea is that you have a very early start of the day, as early as there's still dew on the fields, and you enjoy the nature with a group of friends for a hike or, more traditional these days with a bicycle tour. So on Ascension Day you probably encounter large group of bicyclists on the roads and paths having fun and enjoying the day regardless of the weather, either sunshine or rain.
In Germany however, Ascension Day is the day 'Vatertag' (Father's Day) is celebrated. Not the usual way like most countries celebrate Father's Day in June though.
The German version of Vatertag is a day off being a family man for the fathers. They also enjoy the nature in groups of men hiking but not without a cart full of beer they pull with them all day! (what else in Germany! 😊)
Since I live near the border of Germany, you can imagine our bicylcle route often would cross the border and we would encounter several of these groups of 'Herren' having fun and the necessary (drunk) banter.
And it so happened years ago, while we were already several hours bicycling, a couple of guys in our group needed a leak (it's always so easy for men... ) and we decided for a little break, have some snacks. When one of the guys shouted suddenly "Guys look what I found! I didn't know they grew beer in the forest here in Germany". We all curiously came to look, and indeed, hidden in a bush there was a full crate of beer.
As it was already around noon, maybe a bit before, and the sun was getting warmer, maybe even hot, the guys thought it would be a shame to not consume the beer while it was still cold. Soon everyone had a bottle opened and was enjoying it. When one of our group had a bright moment saying, oh dear maybe some German herren hid it here for them to enjoy. Oops....
Am afraid when the herren arrived at the spot, there was not much left. And of course we were long gone... But we did left them a little thank you note saying 'Vielen dank, wir haben es sehr genossen' 😂
