Luxembourg marks the transition from winter to spring with a celebration called Buergbrennen (fête des brandons, in French.) During the celebration a huge wooden cross insulated with straw (and old Christmas trees) is burned. To start the fire people are given torches and then walk in a procession up to the cross, throwing their torch upon it. Although it is a cross that is burned, this is not a religious festivity in anyway. In fact, the origins of Buergbrennen predate religion. This is a pagan tradition.Many communes hold their own Buergbrennen although there is a large one in Luxembourg City. We attended the one in our commune but missed the torches and procession. The 4 of us watched the fire and took in the atmosphere. Gluhwein and grillwursts were for sale, neighbors were chatting and kids were running around.
To most Americans the sight of a burning cross is unsettling and unwelcome. The KKK burned crosses near the homes of people they wished to intimidate. A burning cross has come to symbolize hate, persecution and intimidation - not the welcoming of spring!
Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me. The only picture I have is one from Bryce's blackberry. Click here to see more pictures of this year's Buergbrennen celebration.
2 comments:
I don't like the idea either of burning of a cross even if it is just for fun. I think Swizerland has a funner tradition with burning of the snowman, but I guess they don't has as much snow in Lux.
Did I miss the Solstice? Hmmm....
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