Buergbrennen is a celebration centred on a huge

bonfire A bonfire is a large and controlled outdoor fire, used for waste disposal or as part of a religious feast, such as Saint John's Eve. Etymology The earliest attestations date to the late 15th century, with the Catholicon Anglicum spelling i ...

which takes place on the first Sunday in Lent in

Luxembourg Luxembourg, officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is a landlocked country in Western Europe. It is bordered by Belgium to the west and north, Germany to the east, and France on the south. Its capital and most populous city, Luxembour ...

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."Die Geschichte des Buergbrennens"
, ''Neuspelter Buergbrenner a.s.b.l.''. Retrieved 22 February 2011.

Etymology

The word ''brennen'' or "burn" originates from the Latin ''burere'' "to burn." In the south of

Belgium Belgium, officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Northwestern Europe. Situated in a coastal lowland region known as the Low Countries, it is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeas ...

, the day is still known as ''dimanche des Bures''.

History

The burning of fires apparently originated with pagan feasts in connection with the spring equinox on 21 March. The current tradition of holding it on the first Sunday of

Lent Lent (, 'Fortieth') is the solemn Christianity, Christian religious moveable feast#Lent, observance in the liturgical year in preparation for Easter. It echoes the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and enduring Temptation of Christ, t ...

is therefore probably an approximation based on the Christian calendar. While the tradition is waning in Belgium,

France France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...

and

Germany Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It lies between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea to the north and the Alps to the south. Its sixteen States of Germany, constituent states have a total popu ...

, 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 being admitted only under exceptional circumstances. The most recently married men played a special role, the honor 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 began 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 responsibility for the arrangements and the costs involved.

Buergbrennen today

The local authorities or youth organisations usually make the arrangements for the Buergbrennen. They collect wood, often old Christmas trees, from the inhabitants 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 honor of lighting the fire."Être Luxembourgeois : Traditions et fêtes"
Retrieved 21 February 2011.

References

{{Reflist Festivals in Luxembourg Tourism in Luxembourg Spring festivals Spring traditions Spring (season) in Luxembourg Bonfires Lent fr:Premier dimanche de carême#Dimanche des brandons

Etymology

History

Buergbrennen today

See also

References