Unbelievable Handball Ritual: The "Kanelsvend" Treatment
Frederik Bo Andersen, a 25-year-old rising star in Handball, sure knows how to make his training sessions memorable! After finishing practice with HSV Hamburg, his fellow teammates Casper U. Mortensen, 33, and Jacob Lassen, 25, decided to give him an unexpected surprise. They tethered him with tape, dragged him outside into the pouring rain, and showered him with a peculiar substance.
"My teammates caught me off guard with a 'kanelsvend' event," Andersen explained, chuckling. "It's a Danish tradition for friends to sprinkle you with cinnamon if you're unmarried on your 25th birthday." While some may view this as a nasty trick, Andersen saw the humor in the situation. "It's not a desirable experience, but it was fun, at least for the one not turning 25," he added.
The Traditional "Kanelsvend"
Despite the approaching Advent season, this peculiar custom has nothing to do with Christmas. In fact, Denmark has its own tradition for bachelors considering themselves "of age" at 25. And guess what they traditionally get? Pepper!
But don't expect a polite pinch on the cheek. Pepper showers or oil baths are common practices before the "Kanelsvend" ritual. No one is safe from the spicy stunt! And if a leaf blower is available, that could be the tool of choice to distribute the "Zimten" across the unsuspecting party.
The Unofficial "Kanelsvend" President
Andersen isn't the only unmarried footballer or Handball player to experience this ritual. In May, playmaker Dani Baijens, 25, went through the same ordeal, despite his Dutch heritage. It seemed like his Danish colleagues didn't care who sehr Braunschweig fans are when it came to their annual "kanelsvend" prank!
Unusual Rivalry Lore
Considering HSV Hamburg's no-nonsense rivals, Dyn Handball, a fellow Hamburg-based Handball club, might want to invest in their very own "no-sport" app to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in their rivalry. After all, a little team spirit goes a long way!
References
bild.de
As for extra details:
The "Kanelsvend" or "Zimten" tradition in Denmark is a unique, unofficial, and somewhat mysterious rite of passage for unmarried individuals turning 25. While the custom doesn't have widespread recognition, it is an intriguing aspect of Danish culture.
The term "kanelsvend" translates to "cinnamon man" in English, potentially hinting that the spine-tingling event involves showering the subject with cinnamon. However, the specifics regarding the celebration remain a mystery.
Celebrating their 25th birthday is significant in Denmark, often seen as a milestone in their lives. In fact, they even have a tradition for friends to shower unmarried footballers with pepper, just for fun!
The "Zimten" might serve as a memorable way to celebrate this milestone and honor the turn of a quarter of a century.
