If you thought February was just about Saint Valentine’s, then you haven’t been in Luxembourg long enough. Learn more about the other saint, the magical experience of Liichtmëssdag and of course, it’s the start of Carnival season! Sabrina Deisges guides us through Luxembourg’s February traditions.
Liichtmëssdag: 2 February
Liichtmëssdag (Candlemas Day), on the 2nd of February, is the day in Luxembourg where you may see neighbourhood children going from house to house in small groups with lanterns singing the Léiwer Härgottsblieschen song in order to receive sweet treats or coins, rather than the bacon or peas that the song lyrics suggest.
The tradition of Liichtmëssdag is based on the ancient Celtic feast of Imbolc, originally held on the 1st of February, where farmers would parade with torches to their fields and pray to Brigitta, the Goddess of Fertility and Rengegung (meaning cleansing), to purify the fields in order to provide a prosperous crop.
In the past the lanterns, or “candle lights”, which were said to bring light into the houses after a long dark winter, were wooden torches. Today, children hold colourful paper “lampions” that they make themselves (and for safety reasons are filled with electric candles) whilst they sing either the popular version of the “Léiwer Härgottsblieschen” song or, depending on the village, a local version of the song to earn their treat.
Léiwer Härgottsbliesche – Lyrics (You can listen to it here)
St Blaise: 3 February
St Blaise is a Catholic saint who’s legendary status is apparently said to come from saving a child who was choking on a fish-bone. On the 3rd of February, Luxembourgers remember this patron saint with the Blessing of the Throat: the words “May God at the intercession of St. Blaise preserve you from throat troubles and every other evil” are spoken and candles are crossed at the throats or over the heads of mass goers. As the patron saint of physicians, sick cattle, wax chandlers and wool-combers he is often portrayed with a metal comb and a tall candle. As Luxembourg is originally a nation of farmers, St Blaise seems to be a worthy saint for us to remember, as our forefathers did.
St Valentine’s Day: 14 February
Fuesend – Luxembourg Carnival (throughout February and March)
In Luxembourg when people refer to carnival, it is not a single event but a whole period of time during which the country is awash with masked balls (Fuesbaler) and processions through the streets. Revellers dress in costume for these occasions creating massive street parties. Some of the larger processions, known as Kavalkaden attract up to 25, 000 people who join in the carnival fun. Costumes are for sale in local supermarkets and often Luxembourgers make great preparation for these events with elaborate well-thought-out costumes. The big one is on February 23rd in Diekirch, but check out City Savvy’s top carnivals for others, where to buy your costume (whether you’re an adult or child) here (check back for updates)!
