Hünfeld's fire procession: 570 years of light against darkness!

Hünfeld's fire procession: 570 years of light against darkness!

Hünfeld, Deutschland - The traditionally celebrated fire procession in Hünfeld shone on July 4th in new splendor and once again united the believers of the city. This festive procession, which is more than 570 years old, took place this year on the day of St. Ulrich, which is considered the patron saint of the city. The roots of this centuries -old tradition go back to 1453, after a devastating fire disaster, which devastated large parts of the city center. At that time, the citizens praised to hold a procession annually to protect Hünfeld from the intercession of Saint Ulrich. According to the Fuldaer Zeitung this is still a unique connection of faith and memory today lives.

This year around 250 believers took part in the procession and sung singing and praying through Töpferstraße and Mittelstraße. The participants wore burning candles that illuminated the darkness of the city center, while the shop lighting of the shops remained darker. The Osthessen NEWS stands out in this contemplative atmosphere to an impressive memory of the past of the city appeals.

a sign of the community

A prayer took place on Rathausplatz, led by Pastor Dr. Michael Müller, Father Francis and parish officer Ayleen Nüchter. In her urgent sermon, Nüchter emphasized that Christ would like to be light in crises and pulled parallels between the fire procession and the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Hünfeld fire department. "The fire brigade not only deletes fires, but also fights fear, loneliness and despair," said Nüchter during the prayer. This message is intended to encourage believers to be light for others and to think that fire can both destroy and warm.

On the town hall staircase, a picture of St. Ulrich, created by the artist Jürgen Blum, contributed to the festive atmosphere. The fire procession is a symbolic memory of the large fire, which in 1450 damaged the city center. The fire could be contained on the eve of the Ulrichsfest, which made citizens all the more moved to launch an annual tradition to protect the city, as a certificate of foundation from 1493 documents.

participation and meaning

house and business owners were called to switch off their lighting in order to support the contemplative mood. This tradition, in which people of both denominations come together, impressively shows how community and faith go hand in hand. The fire procession not only creates a space of reflection, but also strengthens the cooperation in Hünfeld.

The procession ended with the way back through Rathausgasse, Mittelstraße and Töpferstraße back to the parish church of St. Jakobus. This gave a slow but safe way into the dark, accompanied by lights and asked, which underlines the deeply rooted traditions and the strong faith of the Hünfeld citizens.