Skyward Journey of Sträußerl
Wolnzach and Geisenfeld, two Bavarian towns, are keeping alive a unique local custom connected to the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This annual tradition involves the collection and blessing of a special bouquet of herbs and flowers, known as "Mary's herbs," on August 15th.
The Tradition of Mary's Herbs
The tradition dates back to the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, celebrated on August 15th. On this day, it is common for people in these towns to collect and bless a special bouquet of herbs and flowers. These bouquets typically include aromatic and medicinal herbs such as thyme, sage, St. John’s wort, marigold, chamomile, and sometimes wheat or barley ears.
The herbs are brought to church on or before August 15 and blessed during special Assumption Day services. The blessed herbs are believed to have protective and healing properties and are kept in homes to protect against illness and misfortune and to bring blessings to the household.
Dates and Times
The herb gathering usually takes place a few days before August 15, often on August 13 or 14. The blessing ceremony, on the other hand, occurs on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption. Local parishes in both towns typically announce specific times for the herb blessing ceremonies.
Cost and Donations
Gathering the herbs is often a community or family activity, so no cost is attached to the herbs themselves. However, if herbs or bouquets are purchased from local markets or vendors before the feast day, prices can vary. Typical local market prices for an Assumption herb bouquet range from about 5 to 15 euros, depending on size and variety. Some churches may ask for a small donation (around 1-3 euros) to support the blessing service or related festivities.
Participating in the Tradition
If you visit Wolnzach or Geisenfeld around mid-August, local markets and church events are the best places to experience this tradition and purchase or gather the herbs. In Wolnzach, the Catholic Women's Association is gathering and preparing herbs on Wednesday at 9 AM at the Bauhof in Anton-Dost-Straße. The binding of herbs takes place on Thursday at 9 AM, also at the Bauhof, and the herbs prepared by the Association will be sold for €5 after the binding process on Thursday.
In Geisenfeld, the tradition is being upheld by the Kolping Family. While the location for the herb gathering or binding process is not specified, the herbs prepared will likely be available around the same time and at local markets or church events. Prices in Geisenfeld are not mentioned in the available information.
This unique Bavarian custom is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and tradition. Whether you choose to participate in the herb gathering, blessing, or simply purchase a bouquet, you're sure to bring home a piece of history and tradition.
The blessed Mary's herbs, gathered on August 15th, are a significant part of the home-and-garden lifestyle in Wolnzach and Geisenfeld, with their protective and healing properties bringing a traditional touch to each household. Visiting local markets and church events in these Bavarian towns during mid-August offers a chance to experience the collection and arrangement of these herbs, embodying the lifestyle of these communities.
