Easter bonfires in almost all districts

An age-old custom is also practiced in Upland: On Easter Sunday (in Schwalefeld and Neerdar on Holy Saturday), Easter bonfires are lit in all districts after dark. At exposed locations, high above the villages, they light up and can be seen from afar, piercing the darkness.

The Easter bonfire tradition combines pagan and religious rituals. Fires were lit in spring in ancient times to drive away winter and evil spirits. The fire was believed to have a purifying effect. The ashes were scattered on the fields or kept in the house in the hope of growth, fertility and protection from evil forces.
The custom later found its way into Christian practices. A reference to the continued existence of Germanic spring fires can be found in a letter from Pope Zacharias to Boniface in 751. In many areas, a fire was lit and blessed in front of the church during Easter Vigil celebrations, and the Easter candle was then lit. The sparking of the candle on the wood is seen as a symbol of the resurrection, the burning candle stands for the light of Jesus Christ in the world. There has been evidence of the established tradition of Easter bonfires since the 15th century, although it is not always clear whether they have ecclesiastical or secular roots.