On this day in 2014, “German bread culture” was added in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the National Commission for UNESCO.
About the Doodle:
While Germany has a unique bread culture, bread was actually invented in Ancient Egypt and spread and diversified from there. In the middle ages, the region that is now Germany consisted of many different settlements, all with their own cultures and cuisines. As they united under one flag over time, the country became a melting pot of baked goods and pastries.
The grains raised in Germany’s varied climate, like wheat, rye, barley, spelt, oats, millet, corn and rice or even potato starch flour, create bread that’s much richer in flavor, denser in texture, and darker in color. Presentation is also a source of pride and diversity in Germany. The breads are carefully cut, folded, and braided and baked in regionally-specific ovens which influence flavor.
According to the German Institute of Bread, today, there are more than 3,200 unique types of bread in the country. German culture is so intertwined with bread that bread terms are used to describe times of day: break time during work is called Pausenbrot (break bread) and dinner is called Abendbrot (bread of the evening).
Since the Middle Ages, the Bäckereihandwerk has been a staple in German culture, evolving through the centuries. Its longevity is owed to the master-apprentice system, ensuring skills and traditions are passed down and preserved. Today, this craft remains a vital part of Germany, showcasing a blend of historical techniques and modern influences.
Click on today’s Doodle to take a journey through the history of German bread culture!
About the Celebrating German Bread Culture Doodle
Move aside, baguette – it’s pumpernickel’s time to shine. This Doodle, illustrated by Berlin-based guest artist Joe Villion, celebrates German bread culture. From Almbrot to Dinkelvollkornbrot to the Krüstchen to the Zwiebelbrot, there’s a delicious type of German bread for any and everyone’s taste.
Click through the Doodle learn about the evolution of bread in Germany.
About the Guest Artist
Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Berlin-based guest artist Joe Villion. Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle.
Q&A
A: I found it a bit funny actually, since I am gluten intolerant and, even though I am German and have been living back in Germany for a good while now, have not been able to enjoy the richness of the German Bread Culture. So I was working on this project with a laughing and a crying eye.
Apart from this very personal aspect, what I found meaningful about this topic is the aspect of craftsmanship. Quality of craftsmanship and especially the time needed to achieve this is increasingly becoming a luxurious commodity — time one of the first things being cut down to ensure a profitable production and baking crafts are not exempt from this development.
So, I really liked that this doodle is emphasizing the aspect of the craftsmanship of the bakers in celebrating German Bread Culture and reminds us of this old and long tradition.
A: I was excited to be selected as a featured artist, of course, and my first thoughts were centered around how to create a visual style that both clearly references the middle ages and the traditional bakers craft while at the same time giving it a contemporary, modern feel.
A: I am a great fan of the illustration style of illuminated manuscripts of the early middle ages - especially when it comes to the composition of a space and the crooked perspectives. As the majority of points in the timeline of this doodle referred to this time, I was happy to be able to reference this kind of style in the drawings.
A: Good things take time.
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