People in Germany - is there some kind of traditional thing today for ringing the doorbell and running away?

[Scootergrrrl]

Or shall I send the dog after the group of giggling girls who have just done it while I was trying to bath the children? {That's a joke btw, before anyone shouts at me }

In SA it is called toktokkie ...

There is also a meaner game when the 'joker' leaves a burning piece of newspaper and some hidden dog poo on your doorstep - really yuck!!

know idea.

but here we call it knock down ginger.

It's Martinstag today so it could be because of that although afaik that isn't usually done. I always thought it was more about lantern processions and eating goose shaped pastries.

Perhaps they're just trying to get into the mood!

Am feeling guilty actually cos I forgot about it and the dc haven't made lanterns this year. They didn't mention it either though.

jeje, I lived in austria when I was a little girl and we used to do it to one of our neighbours... LOL... the girls will grow up... dh would sent a dog after them if we had one...