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VISITING
AUTHOR/EDITOR ARTICLE
OCTOBER
2011
Die
Kerwei
(DAS
KIRCHWEIHFEST )
Forwarded
From German Cultural Society, St. Louis
The
Kerwei is a traditional cultural celebration that is associated with
the ethnic German population living in the Balkan areas of Europe.
Translation of the word “Kerwei” (or Kirchweihfest) means church
festival that is normally celebrated in late summer or fall almost
like a thanksgiving is in the U.S. In the small towns of the southeast
Danubian land (called Banat), Die Kerwei would involve the greater
part of a community which would stop its normal daily activities and
all would join in and give thanks to God for all His blessings with
music, dancing, and traditional banquet celebrations.
It
all started with Austrian Empress Maria Theresa who saw a need to
colonize the Balkan lands in the late 1700’s and lobbied emigration
of people from central Europe to this fertile land. Several waves (Schwabenzüge)
of colonial settlers came to the Balken/Banat area and the Austrian
exchequer was instrumental in subsidizing the initial building of
churches, schools, and a Gemeindehaus/Wirtshaus (assembly hall) where
people could assemble and establish a functional urban community. The
initial Kerwei was associated with the consecration of the newly built
church. Although the initial settlers endured much hardship from
malaria fever, dysentery, and lack of food, some survived and
eventually built thriving communities in the Banat that collectively
is sometimes referred to as the “Breadbasket of Europe.” Die
ersten hatten den Tod, die zweiten hatten die
Not,
die dritten hatten das Brot.
Die
Kerwei symbolizes not only the history of the church, the region, and
its people, but it is a special day on which thanks is given for all
God’s blessings. With young people celebrating with music and
dancing, it’s also an expression of hope for still better things to
come.
The
Kerwei begins with a mass at which The Kerweizug (a column of paired
young couples participating in the performances) is in attendance. The
lead couple brings in the Rosemarein Strauss (rosemary bush) to church
for a formal blessing by the officiating priest during the solemn High
Mass. The church is usually beautifully decorated with tall candles
and a white cloth with lace border hanging gracefully over the altar.
In general, the town people have labored to spruce up their houses for
the upcoming event. It’s that time of the year when young and old
celebrate Kerwei.
The
honor of carrying the rosemary bush into church for a blessing is
bestowed on the Vortänzer and Vortänzerin from the Jugend (the lead
couple). The rosemary bush, also known as the Strauss, is decorated
with various colors of flowing ribbons and is a biblical symbol of
Moses’ encounter with God near the burning bush when he removed his
sandals and prostrated himself before the burning bush, acknowledging
that he was indeed on holy ground. The rosemary bush is a stark
reminder that there is the presence of God and holy ground in the
consecrated church.
For
the festival the young men wear black trousers, white shirts and black
vests with silver buttons and black hats decorated by their dance
partners with flowers, ribbons and sprigs of rosemarein. Girls wear
several layers of petticoats with a skirt of silk or satin fabric, a
white blouse, a black vest with a shawl edged with silky fringe. A
black satin apron trimmed with black lace adorned with a wide satin
ribbon completes the tracht.
As
soon as the young couple carrying the Rosemarein Strauss steps outside
of the church, there is the sound of the brass band to greet the
youthful couples in the Kerweizug for their march through the streets
with the Rosemarein Strauss held high. The stirring march music fills
the air. Out on the streets the people follow the Kerweizug to the
Gemeindehaus/Wirtshaus that is filled to overflowing with guests.
The
assembly hall (Gemeindehaus/ Wirtshaus) is filled with the aroma of
good food including roasted meat, delicious soups and bakery products
of all kinds not to mention the drinks that help to quench
everyone’s thirst. The banquet meal is enjoyed by everyone
especially the out-of-town guests who would make a special trip to be
at the Kerwei.
After
the banquet, the brass band music (Blechmusik) plays a featured role
in the festivities that follow. Young and old in attendance would
intermittently participate in the dancing. Much socializing is also
conducted with the visiting guests and friends. Older people are
especially
curious
if there are special friendships developing among any of the young
couples in the Kerweizug.
At
a certain point during the dancing, another important part of the
program is started. It is conducted inside or outside depending on
weather conditions. A small table is placed in the center of the dance
area. An auctioneer, previously identified, would escort the lead
couple (Vortänzer and Vortänzerin) to place the Rosemarein Strauss
on the table to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The Kerweizug
forms a circle around the dance floor and the auctioneer entertains
bids from everyone in attendance. The bulk of the bidding comes from
the young people, usually the members of the Kerweizug. The bidding
competition continues with intermittent short stops during which the
brassband plays short sets of music, and wine is available from the
table to stimulate further bidding to drive the price to higher and
higher levels. At the end, when one bidder is left who has made the
highest bid, he receives the Rosemarein Strauss and promptly presents
it to his partner in the Kerweizug as a token of affection. Rumor has
it, that many times this is also an initial sign of true love that
bonds people to marriage at a later time.
A
special dance is played by the band for the winners of the Kerwei
Strauss. Family members and close friends alternately dance with the
lucky couple and extend best wishes for health and happiness.
After the auctioning of the Strauss, dancing resumes with all
guests participating.
As
the sun sets, many residents return home to feed their livestock.
Usually, the Kerweizug departs to eat an evening meal at the home of
the Vortänzer or Vortänzerin; but it was not unusual that
celebrations, like a Kerwei, could last several days. Die Kerwei
tradition as presented above is a somewhat generic description.
Since
the Kerwei is practiced in many places in the world, there are
variations from town to town, and country to country. But no matter
which variation is practiced, Die Kerwei seems to be an unforgettable
experience that brings people together in peace and harmony and leaves
us with memories that can last for a lifetime.
Mike
and Betty Wendl
Reference:
Pitzer, Sister Mary Agnes Theiszmann, “Es War Einmal”
Golla
Graphics, Inc., (Publisher)
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