Listen closely. August 15th marks a very special day at Maria Himmelfahrt: Assumption Day. Here at Maria Himmelfahrt, we join many Catholics in celebrating this important Christian holiday.
Assumption Day marks the day Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, was taken to heaven. The story says that when Mary was taken to heaven, her tomb was opened. Bystanders were surprised to find the tomb empty except for wreaths of herbs and flowers. These herbs and flowers are now an important part of Assumption Day celebrations.
Assumption Day is known in German as Mariä Himmelfahrt. While not a public holiday in all German states, Christians across Germany observe it. Many attend special church services right here. Since it’s not a national holiday, airports remain open, and public transportation runs as usual, except in states that observe Assumption Day.
Many Christians gather bouquets of herbs and flowers on this day. These bouquets are often blessed during church services. Then they are hung in houses to protect them. Popular herbs and flowers include chamomile, clover, thyme, and valerian. Children also receive the first ripe hazelnuts or walnuts of the season called “Mary’s nuts.”
In some regions, special events like parades are held to celebrate. Families often gather in the evening for a small celebration with food.
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is celebrated in some states in Germany. This includes Saarland and parts of Bavaria. Many Catholics attend special church services. Some people follow the tradition of collecting herbs for the day. Church bells ring announcing the start of these services. When two churches are near, the church bells may sound together. Religious parades and summer festivals take place in some areas on August 15.
There are special traditions involving plants. The first ripe walnuts or hazelnuts are called Mary’s nuts and are given to children. People go into fields and meadows to gather herbs. These herbs have medicinal and culinary uses. Popular herbs to collect include agrimony, chamomile, clover, mugwort, and valerian. Some herbs are placed by altars. Others are fixed to the walls of houses and stalls.
The fourth ecumenical council in Chalcedon recognized the Assumption of Mary as a Christian feast in 451 CE. This feast marks the moment Mary’s body and soul went to heaven. The date was fixed as August 15 around the year 700 CE. Paintings of Mary’s assumption often show Jesus or God at the top. They represent heaven. Early Christians appear at the bottom. They represent life on earth. These paintings depict Mary’s journey to heaven. Angels or cherubs guide her.
In Bavaria and Saarland, expect special masses, ringing church bells, and religious pilgrimages on Assumption Day. When churches are close, they often ring their bells together. Some areas have processions and summer festivals on August 15. So, as you stand here at Maria Himmelfahrt, remember the rich traditions of Mariä Himmelfahrt and its deep meaning for Catholics in Germany.