12/01/2023
This is a Mutschel, enjoyed for three weeks before and three weeks after Mutscheltag, the Thursday after Epiphany - Three Kings Day. This year January 12... today.
Many old customs are 'rediscovered' these days, but Reutlinger Mutscheltag has been celebrated without interruption for centuries, it's thought from the 13th century, and Mutscheln, a yeast dough pastry, is found in the bakeries of many Württemberg towns.
But this star shape, its eight points each having a meaning, belongs only to Reutlingen.
Today 'Mutschelspiel' will played. A dice game with rules and a Mutschel as the prize, the many different dice games have distinctive names. Like 'Bauernfenster' (peasant window), 'der Wachter bläst vom Turm' (the watchman blows from the tower), and 'Nacket's Luisle' (naked Luisle).
At least three dice, dice cup, paper and pens are needed, and usually the game is played so each player receives a Mutschel. Although when played for just one of the pastries, and then it is 'Nacket's Luisle'.
The beautiful thing about the Mutscheltag tradition is that it is convivial get-together... meeting up with friends, at home or in a bar, throwing dice for the pastry.
And usually it is a big affair. Any 'non-native' going into a Reutlingen pub in Baden-Württemberg that day is warmly welcomed, and can to play along.
But of course Mutscheln are also delicious without the dice.😋
Photo credit: Reutlingen.de
