Tradition means the transmission of customs and practices through successive generations.
Old German recipes could almost be called verbal inheritance because they have been handled down through centuries, each generation changing them a bit to adapt them to its own lifestyle. Those who know old German traditions know that one would never find Lebkuchen or Pfeffern sse in the bakeries at any other time but Christmas. Marzipan may be used as an almond filling in cakes or candies throughout the year, but has its special place in the traditional Christmas market. Then it is decorated with candied fruits, made into heart-shaped forms, vegetables, fruits, birds and animals. The housewife who properly prepare Christmas cookies must follow a strenuous program and must begin her preparations about the first of November.