Not being Catholic but living in a predominantly Catholic part of Germany, a few of the Christmas traditions and celebrations are not familiar to me. November 30th, known as St. Andreas' Day, is one such day.
In the evangelical, catholic and orthodox churches, Saint Andreas, the brother of Saint Peter, he was one of 12 apostles accompanying Jesus and was a witness of the Ascension Day. Martyred under Emperor Nero, he is remembered is remembered on November 30th, which is traditionally considered the date of his martyrdom in 60 A.D. He is said to have died on an X-shaped cross, which the Romans sometimes used for executions, thereby coming to be called St. Andreas' cross.
St. Andreas' Day also marks the opening of many of the Christmas Markets, and many Midwinter customs and folk superstitions are connected to this day.
One of these customs is known as "klöpfelnächte." Throughout different regions of Germany, this event describes groups of Christmas carolers from who walk from door to door. After knocking (klopfen) or ringing the doorbell (glocke), they sing for gifts. Some sources say that this symbolizes the angel bringing the message of Christ's birth to Mary; others ascribe it to earlier rituals of driving out evil spirits with loud knocking sounds.
Whatever the symbolism, for a long time it was one of the few ways by which the poor could earn a meal during the winter season. The duration of this tradition varies widely and can last until Epiphany (January 6). Today it is mostly performed by children, who try to collect gifts for themselves or donations for charity.
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