A good old custom has been revived in many places in the district on Holy Saturday: a pile of wood is stacked from tree and wood cuttings and ignited when darkness falls. Easter bonfires blazed up in the sky again, like at the folk festival in Olching, there under the direction and responsibility of the Kolping Family.
Hundreds of people follow the Olchinger Easter fire.
(Photo: Günther Reger)
This tradition had expired for two years due to the pandemic in the district. Protective measures to combat the pandemic excluded a larger gathering of people. Events are now possible again. It is not surprising that hundreds of people came to the Olchinger Easter fire on Saturday evening alone. This ancient custom has pagan origins. The flames are meant to banish winter and welcome spring and the reawakening of nature.
Of even greater importance is the Easter fire as part of the church celebrations. At the beginning of the Easter Vigil liturgy in the Catholic Church, a small fire is kindled, the Easter Fire. After the congregation has gathered around the Easter fire, the priest lights the Easter candle at the fire, which is carried into the dark church as a light after the consecration. For believers, the burning candle symbolizes Christ as the light of the world.