As of: March 28, 2024, 8:02 a.m
By: Franziska Kaindl
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Depending on the region and location, the custom of the Easter fire can be celebrated slightly differently. Discover five examples of unique traditions - perhaps even on a trip.
The Easter fire has a centuries-old tradition in Germany. Originally it is a pagan custom that now serves as a prelude to the Christian Easter. The Easter fire and the Easter candle are symbols of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But it also serves to say goodbye to winter and finally usher in spring. If you want to see an Easter fire, you usually don't have to travel far because many places and communities maintain this tradition. Nevertheless, it can be worth taking a trip to other regions to discover how the tradition is celebrated there - because there are definitely a few differences.
Torch wings and soot faces in the Harz Mountains
An Easter fire burns in Elbingerode in the Harz district of Saxony-Anhalt. © Frank Drechsler/Imago
In many places in the Harz there is also an Easter fire. Here it is customary to place a spruce pole up to 20 meters high in the middle of the wood pile as a guide tree. As soon as it gets dark, the so-called kiln is lit from the inside, so that initially only thick clouds of smoke drift through the valleys. Another tradition is torch swinging, in which burning wooden torches are swung over the head in circular movements. There is also the practice of “blacking out”, in which bystanders blacken their faces with soot-stained hands – this custom is said to bring good luck. Depending on the location, the Easter fire is lit between March 28th and 31st.
Easter fire on the Elbe beach in Hamburg
At the Easter fire on the Elbe beach, visitors enjoy the view of the river. © Bernhard Klar/Imago
The Elbe beach is a great excursion destination for the whole family. At Easter, the traditional Easter fire is also lit here against the backdrop of the river - a wonderful atmosphere in which to celebrate the custom. What's more, the spectacle can also be observed from the water, as some ferry operators offer Easter bonfire boat trips.
Easter fire on the Elbe beach in Blankenese
Date
: Saturday, March 30, 2024
The Easter fire is lit between 6 and 7 p.m.
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Easter fire and torch-waving in Attendorn
The Poske brothers' traditional torch-waving at the Easter fire in Attendorn. © blickwinkel/Imago
The Easter customs of the Hanseatic city of Attendorn, North Rhine-Westphalia, are unique in their form: on the evening of Easter Sunday, Easter bonfires with approximately 30 meter high Easter crosses are lit on four hills around the city - also called four Köppe. These are set up by four Easter fire clubs, also called “Poorten”, after the old city gates of Attendorn. The club members call themselves “Poskebrüder”. In addition to the Easter bonfires, the custom also includes waving burning torches. The Easter custom of the people of Attendorn probably goes back to pagan spring rites - the first written mention of the tradition dates back to 1658.
Easter fire in Attendorn
Date
: Sunday, March 31, 2024
The four Easter bonfires on the Köppen are lit at 9 p.m.
Easter fire in Lungau
There is also a unique Easter custom in the Austrian region of Lungau in the state of Salzburg. Days and weeks before Easter, the residents begin preparing the Easter fire: wooden towers up to 12 meters high are built in log construction, which are lit with a consecrated peace light on the night of Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday. The origins of the custom go back to the Germanic tribes, but were later influenced by Christianity.
Easter fire in Lungau
Date
: Saturday, March 30th
Location
: Lessach, Mariapfarr, Mauterndorf, Ramingstein, St. Margarethen, Tamsweg, Thomatal, Unternberg, Oberweißburg, Muhr, St. Michael, Zederhaus etc.
Depending on the location, the Easter celebrations are lit between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Easter bike run in Lügde
A burning Easter bike rolls down the Osterberg towards the village of Lügde during the annual Easter bike run. © Christoph Reichwein/dpa
On the first Sunday after the spring full moon, six straw wheels are lit in Lügde as darkness falls and rolled down into the valley - a spectacular spectacle that illuminates the darkness. Each wheel is 1.70 meters high and weighs around 280 kilograms. It cannot be proven whether the custom also has pagan origins - but it is at least 250 years old. Since 2014 it has also been part of the inventory of North Rhine-Westphalia's intangible cultural heritage.
Easter bike run in Lügde
Date
: Sunday, March 31st
The Easter wheels will be lit at 9 p.m.
Looking for more excursion tips?
In the Merkur.de PDF library you will find a large selection of hiking routes and excursion destinations, which you can download free of charge after successful registration. Be inspired by the variety of tours on offer and take a look at the PDF library.
Discover numerous excursion tips in the Merkur.de PDF library