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Happy Easter Torch-Style

In certain areas, particularly western Europe, and especially Germany they have a hot time around Easter every year. Easter-Fire festivals is a Catholic tradition which takes place starting on the Saturday just before Easter Sunday. All fires are extinguished in a church before a new fire is started from scratch to light the "Easter Candle" also known as the Paschal.

The Paschal is then used to light up all of the previously extinguished candles, torches, etc.

The Paschal is then often taken outside where a huge bonfire is lit in a nearby mountaintop or open space.

Many of these ceremonies also include a wooden figure placed or thrown into the fire for a little added excitement that they call and represent as "Judas".

The tradition is believed to have started in Germany of old, and in that land there are many similar events that are not connected to any church or religious in nature, surviving as traditional practices of the area. Altlandsberg, Liebenwerda, Werder, Hamburg, Belzig, Rheinsberg, Oderbruch, Lindow, and Hohennauen are known for their Easter-Fire festivals. The picture below is from the Osterfeuer from the City of Olching.

There typically is an unofficial competition between neighboring communities and families, to see who can set up the largest fire. This is done to dispose of superfluous wood (including remaining Christmas trees) while earning donations for local charitable groups and organizations

If you decide to celebrate the same way this Easter, make sure you practice proper fire safety. But whether you celebrate it this way, the traditional way your family normally does, or if it's just another Sunday for you, be sure and have a Happy Easter. And be careful, for the day after is April Fool's Day.

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Permalink Reply by AQUAMAN on March 30, 2013 at 9:53pm

Nice history lesson and research X. Happy Easter to all the torchers Sunday.

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Permalink Reply by AQUAMAN on March 30, 2013 at 10:24pm

Easter salute to the TORCHERS!

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Permalink Reply by XLFD on March 31, 2013 at 8:47pm

Thanks. Hope everyone had a great Easter.

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