Is there still a custom in Germany where people who reach the age of 30 without getting married are punished?

I've read that in Germany there was once a custom whereby individuals who reached the age of 30 without getting married were punished by their friends, who took them to the local City Hall and made the men sweep the stairs and the women clean doorhandles covered with shoe polish. Is this still true? Was it ever?

Is there still a custom in Germany where people who reach the age of 30 without getting married are punished?
It's a fairly widespread custom in the north and northwest of Germany, whereas it's quite rare in the south. (Don't know about east Germany.)





As has been said, nowadays it's usually integrated into a birthday party, and the way I understand it, it has never been a punishment, but more of a folksy tradition. Also, nowadays the sweeping is not necessarily done in front of city hall anymore if it's more convenient in the back yard of the party location.





In fact, some local ordinances now put high fines on littering around city hall, because friends of the 30-year-old tend to make cleaning harder for him by bringing their own trash (which is then left behind when a "virgin" - often an unwitting passer-by child - releases the guy).
Reply:Wow. That would definitely put a damper on your 30th Birthday celebration.
Reply:no-----------------------
Reply:Hi there and good morning to you! Boy, did this make me laugh. Sweetie, this is not punishment! Rather it always turns out as a grand party for everyone. It's an old custom and in case of the men having to sweep the stairs of either the county hall or, in most cases, the theater or a huge church, he has to sweep until a "virgin" (yeah, right ;)!) comes to free him with a kiss. In case of the women, the same principle applies, only that women are supposed to "shine" the door handles. Believe me, it's the most fun for all involved. And to the one that said "no", she doesn't know what she is talking about. So, to answer your question, YES, it is true and all it is (at least nowadays) is a reason for a huge party that usually goes all through the night. If you need more details, come look me up and I'll be glad to answer all of your questions pertaining to this matter or whatever it is you want to know about Germany and some of their customs. Best wishes, MsB.
Reply:MSB1963 is absolutely right. However, only two of my friends ever did it.
Reply:No
Reply:That's an old wife stale.Don't believe it
Reply:No



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