Corpus Christi: Traditional firecrackers in criticism - future uncertain!

Corpus Christi: Traditional firecrackers in criticism - future uncertain!

Wackersberg, Deutschland - Corpus Christi - a festival that is deeply rooted in Bavaria and not only celebrates the believers, but also the traditions of our region. Today Martin Oswald in Gaißach, in the Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen district, moves through the streets in his dazzling shooting uniform and a green hat with red flowers. The captain of the rifle company, who has been in this position for 25 years, is proud of his rifle. As the tradition demands, the Gospel Salut is thus shot - a custom that is to symbolically embody the protection of the village and is deeply rooted in the Bavarian traditions.

This Catholic holiday is celebrated 60 days after Easter and not only includes the processions that focus on the consecrated host and the lively bread, as Jesus said, but also colorful flower carpets that transform the streets into a flowering sea. According to the Catholic information page , Fronleichnam symbolizes the presence of Jesus in bread and wine and is a celebration of faith in the Catholic.

criticism of shooting during the procession

not all aspects of this tradition encounter unreserved enthusiasm. More and more voices arise that question shooting during the procession. The Reporting shows that shooting was already abolished in Fürstenfeldbruck in 2012. The noise pollution and the disorder for many participants had led to the custom was perceived as too loud and disturbing. Birgitta Klemenz, chair of the Fürstenfeldbruck parish association, also points to the sensitive times that are shaped by the Ukraine war and put the tradition back behind.

But the cultural scientist Daniela Sandner advocates adapting instead of a complete ban. Your idea: to reduce the Salut shots properly in order to maintain the custom without letting it become a burden for most. It remains to be seen whether the shooters like Martin Oswald will soon have to change their traditions.

variety of celebrations in Bavaria

Corpus Christi is celebrated differently throughout Bavaria. A special highlight is the unique water procession in Seehausen on Lake Staffel, which attracts people from the region every year and beyond. Here five men row with the priest, the monstrance and the singing of the choir over the Staffelsee to the island of Wörth and stop at the altars to pray for the community. This tradition was launched in 1935 and has a very special local meaning.

In Wackersberg, numerous clubs go into the procession that begins early in the morning with a service at 8:30 a.m. The Gasthof Altwirt expects up to 500 guests who are catered for after the solemn act. In Bamberg the procession leads through the old town, and the 600 kilogram cathedral cross is worn by 18 men - a true demonstration of faith and tradition.

This shows once again how lively and diverse the Corpus Christi is in Bavaria and how deeply the traditions are interwoven in our culture. The procession is not only a glamorous celebration of faith, but also a reflection of our community and the values ​​that we hold up.