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Kräuterweihe /Benedizione dei mazzi di erbe
Preserving a valuable tradition: The blessing of bunches of herbs during the Feast of the Assumption on 15 August is practised by farmers throughout the region, including the city of Bolzano. On this occasion, the women farmers of Gries distribute around 180 bunches of consecrated herbs.
Local groups of the South Tyrolean Women Farmers' Association (SBO) make up the bundles of herbs and give them to the villagers after the blessing. "It is good to see that this custom is still practised not only in rural communities but also in the cities. God bless you!" said SBO president Antonia Egger.
For over 40 years, the farmers of the local group in Gries near Bolzano have been making bunches using herbs from their own garden. The bunches are prepared one day before the Feast of the Assumption, after which they are brought to the church and distributed to the villagers after Holy Mass. Between 150 and 180 bunches are given out each year. "It is nice to see how happy the faithful are to receive a fragrant and colourful bunch of herbs."
With the Feast of the Assumption on 15 August begins the so-called 'Frauendreißiger', a 30-day period in the Catholic Church during which various Marian processions take place. This period, during which the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also celebrated on 8 September, is concluded with the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary on 12 September. The Feast of the Assumption has special significance for us farmers because faith in the power of herbs is deeply rooted in our traditions and plays a special role in our daily lives. We want to honour this ancient tradition by reflecting on its meaning and symbolic importance in everyday life,' says SBO president Antonia Egger.
The importance of the herb bundles goes far beyond the feast. After the blessing, the herbs are dried and hung on a crucifix corner at home. In the past, midwives and herbalists used the consecrated herbs to cure illnesses, for instance by preparing an infusion of medicinal herbs. In winter, farmers practised fumigation to purify the air in the barn. Even today, branches of the herbs are thrown into the fire to protect against lightning and thunderstorms. In addition, finely chopped herbs are added to the feed to convey the blessing of the church to the cattle.
The Association of South Tyrolean Women Farmers invites all those interested to attend the Feast of the Assumption and take home a bouquet of blessed herbs. This precious custom unites generations and contributes to the preservation of our cultural heritage.
Local groups of the South Tyrolean Women Farmers' Association (SBO) make up the bundles of herbs and give them to the villagers after the blessing. "It is good to see that this custom is still practised not only in rural communities but also in the cities. God bless you!" said SBO president Antonia Egger.
For over 40 years, the farmers of the local group in Gries near Bolzano have been making bunches using herbs from their own garden. The bunches are prepared one day before the Feast of the Assumption, after which they are brought to the church and distributed to the villagers after Holy Mass. Between 150 and 180 bunches are given out each year. "It is nice to see how happy the faithful are to receive a fragrant and colourful bunch of herbs."
With the Feast of the Assumption on 15 August begins the so-called 'Frauendreißiger', a 30-day period in the Catholic Church during which various Marian processions take place. This period, during which the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also celebrated on 8 September, is concluded with the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary on 12 September. The Feast of the Assumption has special significance for us farmers because faith in the power of herbs is deeply rooted in our traditions and plays a special role in our daily lives. We want to honour this ancient tradition by reflecting on its meaning and symbolic importance in everyday life,' says SBO president Antonia Egger.
The importance of the herb bundles goes far beyond the feast. After the blessing, the herbs are dried and hung on a crucifix corner at home. In the past, midwives and herbalists used the consecrated herbs to cure illnesses, for instance by preparing an infusion of medicinal herbs. In winter, farmers practised fumigation to purify the air in the barn. Even today, branches of the herbs are thrown into the fire to protect against lightning and thunderstorms. In addition, finely chopped herbs are added to the feed to convey the blessing of the church to the cattle.
The Association of South Tyrolean Women Farmers invites all those interested to attend the Feast of the Assumption and take home a bouquet of blessed herbs. This precious custom unites generations and contributes to the preservation of our cultural heritage.
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