“Of-Mary Heaven journey” is what Maria Himmelfahrt roughly translates to. The name itself holds the essence of this special day. We are standing before the Maria Himmelfahrt church. It’s a day to reflect on the Virgin Mary’s ascent to heaven.
The Feast of the Assumption celebrates Mary’s departure from this life. It marks the assumption of her body into heaven. Church doctrine states that Mary was taken body and soul into Heaven at the end of her life.
The death of Mary isn’t in the Christian scriptures. But Hippolytus of Thebes claimed Mary lived 11 years after Jesus’ death. The term Dormition describes the belief that Mary died without suffering. She was in a state of spiritual peace.
In some cantons of Switzerland, Maria Himmelfahrt is a bank holiday. Public transport may be disrupted and businesses closed. It is a day observed in many Roman Catholic countries. These countries include France, Poland, and Portugal.
Traditionally, people gather flowers and herbs. Thyme, St John’s wort, and chamomile are included. These are arranged into a posy called a Kräuterbüschel. The blooms are taken to church for blessing. Legend says a fragrance emerged from the flowers when Mary ascended. This practice is said to be a thousand years old.
Gathering the first nuts of the year is also a tradition. Hazelnuts or walnuts are sometimes called “Mary’s nuts”. The “Fahrt” in Maria Himmelfahrt means journey. It comes from “fahren” meaning to travel. This relates to the English word “fare”.
The story of Maria Himmelfahrt goes back to hints in the Bible. After Mary’s death, her body was not found in the tomb. A lost text from the fourth century speaks about this. It’s called “Transitus Mariae”. Cyril of Alexandria made August 15 a holiday in the fifth century. Belief in Mary’s bodily ascent dates to the sixth century. The Council of Triest and Pope Pius XII deeply rooted it in Catholic faith.
There’s a difference between Maria Himmelfahrt and Christi Himmelfahrt. Catholics believe Jesus ascended. But Mary was passively assumed. This assumption was by Jesus and the angels.
Customs in Switzerland are similar to neighboring countries. The tradition of blessing herbs dates to the ninth century. Legend says Mary’s tomb was filled with flowers and herbs, not her body. Kräuterbüschel are blessed in church. These herbs were mixed with animal feed to protect them from illness. They also protected against fire and lightning when hung under the roof.
While today might not bring special events to every corner of Zurich, remember the story of Maria Himmelfahrt. Think of the journey. Consider the traditions. And appreciate the deep-rooted faith.