Polter Abend

Sven and Severina are 2 special friends who got married this weekend in Norway. I was privileged to be able to attend the wedding (pictures soon to come of this weekend trip!). But BEFORE the wedding, here in Jena some friends wanted to throw them a surprise "Polter Abend" which is when you smash up china, as good luck (but you never break glass or mirrors). It is quite a freeing feeling, I must say! The bride and groom must then clean up the mess.

In Germany, people really like to play funny games connected with weddings, and this evening was no different. The guys had to prove that they could do "womanly" tasks, such as peel a potato in one peel or sew on a button. The gals had to tie a man's tie, hammer a nail into a board, and open a bottle of beer without using a bottle opener (just using leverage of their fingers, and a lighter). Here Sven and Severina's wrists were tied, and they had to prove they could be a "team" by spooning the soup out of the bowl together and eating it all, taking turns (and it was "wedding soup")!!