Osterfeuer (almost)

This evening there was a barbecue for our German visitors at the Royal Oak pub. Around 120 of us congregated in the beer garden to celebrate Osterfeuer (albeit a day late).

In the night from Saturday to Easter Sunday branches and twigs (or, in our case, old wooden pallets) are piled up to make a big bonfire. Originally an ancient Germanic rite, the Easter fire was incorporated into Christianity, symbolically dispelling of spirits, brushing aside the last traces of winter and heralding spring, life and birth. This tradition can be found predominantly in the smaller towns of Northern Germany, where the Easter fire serves as a festive get-together for young and old.

It was a good thing we had the fire as it was a bit chilly out.