The Tradition
Erntefest is a traditional harvest celebration that has been observed for centuries in the German-speaking countries of Europe and is still celebrated today in many villages and cities thoughout Germany. Gemeinde Brunow is no exception; they still observe the tradition of Erntefest today.
Erntefest both celebrates the harvest and signals the beginning of the coming year of farming. In some areas it begins with a harvest celebration on one Sunday near the end of September, followed by a harvest "Thanksgiving" celebration early in October, with the dates varing from area to area. In Brunow all Erntefest activities take place on one Sunday in September. This year (2003) Erntefest was celebrated on the third Sunday in September.
Erntefest 2003
Binding of the Erntekrone
Decorated front garden
The Erntekrone
One of the preliminary activities to the celebration is the binding of the "Erntekrone" or harvest crown. The harvest crown was originally a wreath which symbolized the closing of the yearly cycle, but later evolved into a "hanging crown".
The "Erntekrone" was orginally made of willow branches by the men of the village, and decorated by girls of the village. Various types of grain (for example rye, wheat, barley), and field flowers were used in the decoration of the "Erntekrone".
In addition to the "Erntekrone", the village is also decorated for the celebration. Some examples can be seen to the left and below.
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Decorated village square
Photos of Erntefest 2003 courtesy of Gesine Page
The Erntefest Church Service
Erntefest in Brunow begins with services in the church. Following tradition, the church altar is decorated with the fruits of the harvest.
Brunow Church during Erntefest 2003
Photos courtesy of Gesine Page
The Erntefest Procession
The "Erntefestumzug" (Erntefest procession) is also a traditional part of the celebration. Traditionally a farmer would lend the use of a wagon, for use as the "harvest wagon", which would be decorated with such things as bouquets of grain, flowers, and oak leaves. A typical procession through the village would be led by a child carrying a basket of seeds (representing a sucessful harvest and also the beginning of the new crop year), children carrying the "Erntekrone", and the festively decorated harvest wagon, followed by the village band, and villagers dressed in the traditional clothing of the area. Originally, the parade would end at the home of the master of the farm estate where additional ceremonies would be held. If there were multiple farm estates, the honor would rotate among the estate owners on different years.
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The Erntefest procession
Photos of Erntefest 2003 courtesy of Gesine Page
Performance by Brunower Küßchen in the evening under the Erntekrone
Photo courtesy of Gesine Page
Brunow and Bauerkuhl Erntefest 2004
Photos of Brunow and Bauerkuhl Erntefest 2004 courtesy of Gesine Page
More Brunow and Bauerkuhl Erntefest 2004 Pictures
Brunow and Bauerkuhl Erntefest 2005
Photos of Brunow and Bauerkuhl Erntefest 2005 courtesy of Gesine Page
More Brunow and Bauerkuhl Erntefest 2005 Pictures
Brunow and Bauerkuhl Erntefest 2006
Photos of Brunow and Bauerkuhl Erntefest 2006 courtesy of Christian Winterfeldt
More Brunow and Bauerkuhl Erntefest 2006 Pictures
Brunow and Bauerkuhl Erntefest 2008
Photos of Brunow and Bauerkuhl Erntefest 2008 courtesy of Gesine Page
Brunow and Bauerkuhl Erntefest 2008 Slide Show
Credits:
- "Sie wußsten die Feste zu feiren", by Klaus Granzow (translation assistance by Katharina Hines)
