Why do you make an Easter bonfire at Easter?
At Easter there is an Easter bonfire in many congregations, but why do you make such a fire where various rites are performed?
The meaning of the Easter fire
- An Easter fire is traditionally made Easter. According to sources, the first fire took place in 1559. The origin of fire lies in the Catholic Church. In their liturgy (the rites and ceremonies in worship) the Easter vigil begins with a fire.
- The congregation meets where the priests light the Easter candle by the Easter fire in front of the assembled group. She is then carried through the darkness into the church by the priest, accompanied by the congregation. As a symbol, the candle that gives light on the dark path is Jesus Christ, who is seen as the light of the world. Furthermore, the fire and the candle are considered to be signs of Jesus' resurrection.
What else is done around the fire at Easter
- In some regions, such as in the Harz Mountains, the fire is also known as the Easter piles. When the fire is made on Easter depends on the region. For example, it often takes place on Easter Monday in the Sauerland. In Westfallen / Lippe, on the other hand, on Easter Sunday night. In many regions it is Holy Saturday on which the fire is lit.
- It is also known that the sacred oils from the previous year are burned over the fire during the ceremony. Furthermore, there are also communities in which figures or Dolls are burned. This is supposed to be reminiscent of the burning of Judas from the Bible. Judas had betrayed Jesus and had to atone for it in the fire.
- In many communities there is also an informal Easter bonfire. People meet there to say goodbye to winter together. There is drinking, dancing and partying. The ashes created by the fire are scattered on the surrounding fields to make the soil fertile.
Easter explained to children - instructions
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