Nikolauslaufen – ein bremischer Brauch - SPOT Bremen
Remember Article
From children's bishops to Low German poems
What in other regions of Germany is the Martinisingen and in recent years the custom around Halloween, in Bremen it is the Santa Claus Run, formerly known as the Sunnerklaus Run. Not everyone here is aware that this tradition is not widespread throughout Germany – and actually completely incomprehensible.
“I've got a little king.
Don't touch me too little,
Loot me not groan for too long,
because I still have to goon again.
Hello, hello, hello, that
's how it's near Bremen."
To this day, the little poem is firmly anchored in my memory. At that time, however, as a disguised three cheese high, it was rattled off so quickly that meter, intonation and essentially also word endings moved into the background. The excitement was to blame - on the one hand, because something was to be presented in front of adults, on the other hand, because sweets were the tempting reward.
Poems instead of sour
Even today, the St. Nicholas run is still common in many parts of Bremen. With parents or grandparents, small groups of children walk through the neighborhood, visit relatives and acquaintances and ring the doorbell. They are often disguised. There they sing a little Christmas song or recite a poem – like the traditional quoted “Sunnerklaus, de grote Mann” in Platt. After the audience has listened devoutly, smiled and appropriately rejoiced, as a reward they distribute sweets in the bags held out by the children.
A comparable tradition is Halloween: It only spilled over to us from the English-speaking cultural area a few years ago, when it used to be an exotic, distant custom. In contrast, there is no threat of pranks (trick or treats!) during the St. Nicholas walk. Instead, the children develop their chocolate Santa Clauses, tangerines and nuts through diligent memorization and conscientious presentation.
Bremen custom: Sunnerklaus
Many people who grew up in the Hanseatic city only realize that the St. Nicholas run is a purely Bremen tradition when they start talking to newcomers who only associate December 6 with a candy-filled boot in front of the door.
The custom is named after Saint Nicholas of Myra. This Greek bishop was revered by the people in the fourth century mainly because of his generosity. He was also the patron saint of merchants, sailors and children.
The tradition named after him was probably brought to life by cathedral and monastery students. On certain days, they chose a "children's bishop", went through the neighborhood with him and sang mainly Low German songs. In the beginning it was mainly about getting something to eat for the poor among them. However, over time it became customary to give everyone sweets, nuts or fruit. In the 19th century, children dressed up in costumes and sang while they pounded staffs reminiscent of the bishop's crook.
St. Nicholas Run: fun for the whole family
Nowadays, the tradition in many parts of Bremen is fun for the whole family: Shops set up mulled wine stands, for example, where parents can warm up while the children recite their poems. More and more next-door businesses are taking on the role of rewarding little ones for their efforts. In many cases, families no longer have any relatives within walking distance or do not know their neighbors very well. But maybe the St. Nicholas Run is a good reason to change the latter. So, everyone together: "Halli, halli, hello - That's how it's near Bremen to!"
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By Alena Mumme
I'm a day-care worker - so my parents and grandparents were born and grew up in Bremen, like me. Only exciting journeys lure me away from my cozy hometown.
