Traditions
Black Forest people uphold their traditions. Almost every valley has its own distinct rituals. Traditions in the Black Forest mean far more than simply costumes and dances. Traditions pay respect to a unique cultural heritage, with old knowledge and handicrafts contributing much to its habits, rites and the preparation of food.
Nearly every valley contributes a piece to the mosaic: rites for births, weddings, funerals and seasonal festivities. Discover these Black Forest traditions and know the region from another perspective!
The traditional Bollenhut hat
The Bollenhut hat with its red or black pompoms suits the Black Forest particularly well. People all over the world know the hat and hope to see one when coming to the Black Forest and the hat is both a symbol and a trademark of the Black Forest.
However the Bollenhut hat is traditionally worn in only three communities in the Black Forest: Gutach, Wolfach-Kirnbach and Hornberg-Reichenbach. The hat is a very valuable item and is made by an ever-decreasing number of skilled seamstresses and milliners. Its artful magnificence is only worn and displayed on special occasions.
Furthermore the colour of the pompoms have a special meaning. Red indicates that the lady wearing the hat is unmarried, while black indicates the wearer is married.