Harvest festival in Germany (02/10)

The most common name for the German harvest end holiday is «Erntedankfest» — Thanksgiving holiday, which is celebrated by the Catholic Church of Germany on the first Sunday of October.

This holiday has its roots in Roman customs. On this day, people rejoice at a good harvest and thank God for his gifts of nature (vegetables, fruits, cereals, berries) and for taking care of people. In return, believers return part of his gift to him.

The harvest festival was celebrated in pre-Christian times. It has been celebrated in the Catholic Church since the 3rd century. In Prussia it was first celebrated in 1773 on the first Sunday after St. Michael's Day (September 29), after which it became regular. The date of the first Sunday in October was approved in Germany by the Catholic Church in 1972, and each parish of the Evangelical Church determines its own holiday date: the first Sunday in October or the first Sunday after St. Michael's Day.

Ancient peasants believed that the harvest protected the spirit that gave it growth or death. The Spirit will give a good harvest if he is pleased and happy, and will destroy the harvest if the peasant does not please him or offends him. In this regard, this holiday was celebrated earlier as a victory over spirits.

Today is the day of completion of field work and thanksgiving to God for his gifts. On this day there is a special service in the church. At the same time, the church is decorated with the best fruits of the new harvest, wreaths made of wheat. These harvesting and reaping wreaths are made in advance from the ears of the last sheaf. Vegetables, fruits, and cereals are blessed and laid out in front of the altar.

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