The Easter fire: This is behind the custom
In many places, the Easter bonfire is kindled during the Easter Vigil. Where does this custom actually come from? Find out more about the origin of this tradition and the symbolism of the Easter fire here.
Easter fire: where does the custom come from?
The Easter bonfire, which is kindled in the Easter vigil, has a long tradition. In Christianity, this is the night from Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday.
From a Christian point of view, the Easter fire symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. It is considered a symbol of the emergence of light through the resurrection of Christ. It stands for the new life that came into the world with Jesus. In the Middle Ages, people even believed that the glow of fire protected against disease and evil. For this reason, they often built the fire on a hill. In Germanic times, winter was said goodbye and spring welcomed with fire.
One thing is certain, the Easter Vigil is very much determined by the symbolism of light. In some places, after the Easter fire has been lit, processions take place, leading to the church with singing, where everyone has the opportunity to light the candles they have brought with them from the dedicated Easter candle.