Tuesday, February 20, 2007 is a strange and wonderful convergence of events.
Central PA is more fun than lots of places. We have "days" that other places don't. For us, today is Fastnacht Day. That’s Fat Tuesday in Pennsylvania Dutch country. It’s the day before Ash Wednesday and the tasty tradition is to use up all the fat in the house before Lent begins. So folks line up at bakeries and outside church kitchens to buy and eat all kinds of Pennsylvania German sweets, but most particularly, fastnachts. That’s a very hearty, doughnut-like pastry. It’s deep fried and you can have it plain or with sugar toppings. A true fastnacht doesn't have a hole. They are calorie free of course. So you should have two or three or more, and all the coffee you like. Would I lie?
But, wait! There’s more. I don’t know (or care) who decided exactly when Hootie Hoo Day is, but this year it’s also this Tuesday, February 20. On Hootie Hoo Day you stick your head out the front door at high noon, and yell "Hootie Hoo" three times. This is to scare Old Man Winter away. Some folks claim that you have to be naked when you do this. Those people. Although, I’m thinking my being naked in my doorway might be pretty scary at that.
Have a great Fastnacht Day!
13 comments:
Those fastnachts look yummy and no doubt are!
As for the Hootie Hoo thing, I think I better pass at standing in my door naked and yelling that out. They probably would call the folks in the white coats to come and take me away!! Thanks for the laugh!!!
I could eat about 5 of those right now! If standing naked in the doorway hollering ANYTHING could get spring to get here quickly, I would probably do it.
Fastnacht again. Sigh. Lent's coming. I can tell because I had four reese's peanut butter cups today.
Thanks for the fastnachts... But nevermind about the Hootie Hoo next time.
:-)
That's funny! Here in th UK today is 'Pancake Tuesday' or Shrove Tuesday. It marks the last three days before the beginning of Lent so thay are probably related. The idea of using up al the fat and sugar is similat. We have lots of dirrerent combos but the classic is lemon juice and sugar . Yum Yum!
I've got a greasy grocery bag full of homemade fastnachts. Want some? They're on the kitchen counter. Come on over and help yourself!
yeah, I'm skipping the hootie hoo thing, but please pass the fastnachts. DDD, did you make those? xoxo
Not just England, Pi. Our church in New England is having a pancake supper tonight.
It might be "Hootie Hoo" in Pennsylvania, but in Florida and other rednecky types of places, it's "Hooter Hi". Speaking of naked ...
i'm off to fry fastnachts in just a few short minutes! i LOVE the idea of hootie hoo day! pity i didn't read this earlier! noon has past.
I miss all of the fun. Now I have to wait a whole year.
Those look really yummy!
I completely forgot about pancake day, which reminds me of a funny TV ad we usually see on that day, here in the UK: it's for Jif lemon juice (it comes in a small yellow plastic container in the shape of a lemon, of course). The ad shows someone liberally sprinkling Jif lemon juice on to an empty plate. The voice-over goes, 'Don't forget the pancake on Jif Lemon Day!' (I know: I watch too much TV.)
Interesting tradition there, Lucy! Just thinking about the HHD scares them more !!! I'm having doughnuts tomorrow, will that still count? Thanks for sharing.
Princess
oooopppps!!! my post should read:
"Just thinking.....scares ME more!" Sorry for my ineptitude (is that the right word?)
Happy Monday!
Princess
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