Reichenbach, Prozession am Palmsonntag

Church customs

In Reichenbach, in addition to Fasent, a rich tradition has been preserved over the years, which also stems from the wreath of church festivals and times.

The year begins with the playing of the "Three Wise Men". The carol singers, as they are known today, visit families, sing about the birth of the Lord and collect money for disadvantaged children all over the world.

The picture shows the Palm Sunday procession in Reichenbach. At the front, children carry colorful palm sticks decorated with greenery and a cross on top along a street. They are followed by altar servers with flags and the congregation.
Palm Sunday procession in Reichenbach

On Palm Sunday, children carry colorful palm sticks decorated with lots of greenery to the church service. After the blessing and the procession, they decorate the houses and courtyards and, according to old popular belief, offer protection from bad weather.

From the "Gloria" of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday until the "Gloria" of the Easter Vigil, the organ and bells are silent. Legend has it that the bells fly to Rome to receive the Pope's blessing in St. Peter's Square before returning.

The picture shows the Corpus Christi procession in Reichenbach. Young people and altar servers walk along a street lined with houses in front of two flags, followed by the canopy carried by four men under which the priest holds up the monstrance, followed by other people.
Corpus Christi procession in Reichenbach

A highlight in early summer is the Corpus Christi festival, also known as "Lord's Day" in the Black Forest. The sensual celebration with fresh birch greenery, lush floral decorations and carpets of flowers, candles, incense, flags, traditional costumes and music still unites the entire village community for the festive sacramental procession through the old village center.

On the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, many families bind the beautiful "herb bunches", which make a beautiful sight with medicinal herbs of all kinds - from at least seven to 15 herbs as well as flowers and ears of grain. After the blessing, they decorate the homes and are placed in the stable, barn or attic after they have faded, so that God's blessing may ward off all harm.

During Advent, young people and their parents still like to make nativity scenes, which are set up for Christmas Eve and Christmas time. Every year, a nativity scene exhibition is held on the 3rd Advent, which displays particularly beautiful nativity scenes.