Polterabend

The neighbors decorate the front door of the Callsen's house
The neighbors gather, awaiting their opportunity to sing to the happy couple.
Paul & Katrin greet everyone at the door.
Paul & Katrin bring the tray of schnapps out to the neighbors.

Polterabend is a traditional German wedding ritual held the night before the wedding. Neighbors and friends gather at the couple's doorstep, smash plates and dishes in front of the door, and sing songs to the bride- and groom-to-be. The bride and groom then greet the group and serve schnapps (or some other form of liquor) to the huddled masses. Instead of schnapps, we got fig-flavored vodka (are you reading this, ABSOLUT?). Those who do not imbibe were given some of that good fizzy mineral water to carry out the toast.

The denizens of Klensby take advantage of every opportunity to party (so Paul tells me). Judging from the quantity of broken glass amassed on the Callsen's doorstep, they carried out the Polterabend rituals with great vigor. One of the neighbors did tell me that this was NOT the biggest Polterabend in the history of Klensby. A wedding a few years ago inspired some to smash sinks, toilets, and other smashable bathroom fixtures at the doorstep of the lucky(?) couple. A front-end loader was required to carry out the clean-up.

The drinking, singing, and glass-breaking were followed by a simple feast of sausages and potato salad, washed down with beer (Flensburger, of course) and assorted digestives, such as Aalborg Aquavit, Bommerlunder, and that fig-infused vodka. I managed to ward off a hangover by interspersing glasses of mineral water between my drinks.