Buergbrennen- Not What it Might Look Like

The first time Dave and I came across Buergbrennen we were rather freaked out (See March 10, 2009 "Insenberg Hike"). A giant cross obviously on top of a burn pile, has some very negative connotations for most Americans, at least it certainly did for us. We soon learned that the KKK was NOT alive and well in Luxembourg but that there was about to be an annual celebration of the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring, and it happens all over Luxembourg and the surrounding regions. France and Belgium are not as into the festival but Luxembourg has gotten more and more into it. I just can't let go of the burning cross image of my American perspective. Dave and I were wondering why it became a cross for this celebration. I think it should be an effigy of "Old Man Winter", or a giant snowflake. Or, anybody see the movie "The Wicker Man"? If not, check it out. An interesting flick.

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Okay, here is some wikipedia on the subject of Buergbrennen:

Buergbrennen is a celebration centred around a huge bonfire which takes place on the first Sunday in Lent in Luxembourg and surrounding areas. In Germany it is called Burgbrennen, in France and Belgium it is known as the dimanche des Brandons. It is based on old traditions representing the end of winter and the coming of spring.^[

History

The burning of fires apparently originated with pagan feasts in connection with the spring solstice on 21 March. The current tradition of holding it on the first Sunday of Lent is therefore probably an approximation based on the Christian calendar. While the tradition is waning in Belgium, France and Germany, since the 1930s Luxembourg has revived the Buergbrennen festivities with some 75% of villages celebrating the occasion. Originally the bonfire seems simply to have consisted of a heap of wood and straw but as time went by, a central pillar of tree branches was introduced. A crosspiece was later attached near the top of the pillar, giving it the appearance of a cross.

The buergbrennen was once celebrated only by the men in the village, women only being admitted under exceptional circumstances. The most recently married men played a special role, the honour of lighting the fire falling on the last man to have wed. But the newly-weds also had the responsibility of collecting wood for the fire or paying others to assist in the work. At the end of the festivities, they were expected to entertain those taking part, either at home or in local inns. The tradition was beginning to die out in the 19th century because of the high costs involved but in the 20th century, local authorities revived the tradition, taking over resposibility for the arragements and the costs involved.^[1]

[edit]Buergbrennen today

The local authorities or youth organisations usually make the arrangements for the Buergbrennen. They collect wood, often old Christmas trees, from the inhabitiants and make the buerg or bonfire, usually on the top of a neighbouring hill and clad with hay to ensure rapid burning. There is often a cross rising high above the centre of the fire. Torchlight processions to the bonfire sometimes take place and there are usually stands for food and drink. The firemen are present to ensure against accidents. In some areas, the most recently married couple have the honour of lighting the fire. ^[2]

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And here is what we saw ...

Some people on their way to the bonfire site, in the Petrusse Valley in the center of Luxembourg City. At dusk the birds were singing loudly, and it was a pretty magical scene. 

Not sure what they had in store for this effigy- a woman in heart-covered clothing, large breasts, with a large plastic heart around her neck. I think that guy was guarding her. We left before anything was done to her. The whole thing was kind of creepy. 

The procession of people bearing torches, they then each went up to the burn pile and lit it with their torch. Firemen were on hand to keep things "safe". 

A big crowd had gathered and in typical Luxembourgish fashion, there were plenty of stands selling sausages, beer and gluwhein.

A group of us met up to check out the festivities (and goof around, pretending to be running from burning buildings for photos). 

The walk home was just as magical and it really did feel a bit more like spring. I am not a fan of the fact that they burn a cross but I do love the idea of burning the "old" the coldness of winter, etc. and welcoming the spring and the "new" season. I'll hold onto that connotation and keep the cross imagery out of my head for now.