Carnival

Carnival: The Fifth Season in the Rhineland

The highlight of Carnival is just around the corner – the street celebrations between Weiberfastnacht and Ash Wednesday. But where does all the colorful revelry come from, and what traditions is it based on? In today’s blog post, we want to share some interesting insights about these merry weeks. And since it’s often especially difficult during this time to stick to our resolutions for a balanced diet and weight control, we also want to encourage you not to let a few days of indulgence throw you off course. After all, a healthy lifestyle isn’t lost in a single week. With a few simple tips, the little indulgences of the Carnival season will be easily forgotten.

Carnival: The Origin of the Festive Days

The origins of Carnival are believed to date back to the Greeks and Romans, who celebrated spring festivals in honor of Dionysus and Saturn. But there are also Germanic influences, as the Germanic tribes celebrated the winter solstice festival each year to honor their gods and drive away the winter demons. These pagan customs were later adopted by Christians, who ushered in the pre-Easter fasting period with Carnival, from the Latin "carne" (meat) and "vale" (farewell). However, the actual beginning of the Carnival season is already on November 11. The number eleven is interpreted as a symbol of the equality of all people under the jester’s cap. That’s why the street Carnival is officially opened on Weiberfastnacht at 11:11 a.m. Today, especially in the Rhineland, there are many different traditions with which the festival is celebrated – including the numerous Rose Monday parades. For example, the burning of the "Nubbel" on Shrove Tuesday is a real highlight: straw figures called Nubbels, which hang above the pub doors or out of windows during the Carnival days, are ceremoniously burned. According to tradition, this act symbolically buries the misdeeds of the past weeks – at least until the next November 11, when it’s time to shout “Alaaf” or, in some regions, “Helau” again!

Carnival and Sweet Temptations – Enjoy!

During Carnival, sweet temptations, like deliciously filled doughnuts (also known as Berliners), lurk at every corner. These are part of a culinary tradition because, for centuries, strict fasting rules applied in these parts. Fat and eggs were taboo during Lent. But since they couldn’t be stored for six weeks, recipes were created to use up these ingredients before Ash Wednesday. Our tip from the Christmas season also applies to Carnival: enjoy and treat yourself to some of these delights! Celebrate the treats and take a small break from the stress of everyday life. That way, both you and your resolutions will survive the crazy Carnival days. Are you hosting a small celebration during Carnival but still need ideas for the buffet? Take a look online and discover the variety of healthy party food.

Make the Most of Carnival and Then Get Back on Track

Another way to stick to your goals despite Carnival is to incorporate enough physical activity, which will counteract those party calories. This doesn’t just mean traditional exercise at the gym – long walks in nature or gentle exercise like jogging and walking are also great options. Not only do these activities help reduce stress and promote relaxation, but they are also great fat burners. Once your body’s fat-burning mechanisms are activated, the small indulgences of the past, crazy days will quickly melt away. You don’t have to break any records, either – it’s enough to integrate regular movement into your daily routine. A little tip for the Carnival days: why not combine a visit to the parade in the neighboring town with a walk? This way, you can enjoy the parade and indulge in a few sweets without guilt.

We at BioProphyl^® wish you one thing above all else during the Carnival season: have fun! Enjoy the crazy days and dress up – if you like, feel free to share pictures of your costumes on our Facebook page!