271. What is a traditional custom at Christmas in Germany?

Answer options

1. to hide colorful eggs
2. to decorate a Christmas tree
3. to dress up with masks and costumes
4. to place pumpkins in front of the door

Explanation

The Christmas tree (Tannenbaum) is documented in the German-speaking world since the early modern period (e.g., Strasbourg, 16th/17th centuries) and became a bourgeois family custom in the 19th century that spread globally. In constitutional terms, religious-cultural practices such as Christmas are enabled within a framework of state neutrality by the freedom of faith and creed (Art. 4 Basic Law). Public holidays are largely regulated by the Länder; 25 and 26 December are protected as the First and Second Day of Christmas (Art. 140 Basic Law incorporating Art. 139 Weimar Constitution, together with Länder holiday acts). By contrast, hiding colorful eggs (Easter), dressing up in masks (Carnival/Fasching), or setting pumpkins by the door (a Halloween import) belong to other festive traditions.