Plague candle procession in St. Benedikten on Sacred Heart Sunday
Social practices in Styria, inscribed 2024
The plague candle procession, organised by the Community of Church Farmers, takes place during a field mass as part of a Corpus Christi service on Sacred Heart Sunday. On this occasion, the plague candle is decorated, lit, and carried in a procession from one high field altar to another. The tradition of the plague candle procession has its roots in a promise made by farmers many centuries ago to donate an outsized candle as a token of gratitude for their survival of the plague and to carry it in a procession every year.
The plague candle is 14.5 metres in length and is made of a wooden pole wrapped in a spiral of round wax. A lantern containing a candle is located at the tip. Four people are needed to perform the arduous task of carrying the candle. To keep it upright, eight supporting poles measuring five to six metres in length are attached to the plague candle and supervised by eight people. It is their duty to hold the candle upright by pushing or pulling it from one field altar to another during the procession. Another person acts as a guide, keeping an eye on the candle and directing the bearers of the supporting poles by shouting out instructions.
Before the procession in St. Benedikten, the plague candle and the supporting poles are decorated with evergreen garlands and silk flowers. With people in festive clothing and the candle adorned with jewellery and fluttering ribbons, an image of celebration ensues. The procession's festive atmosphere is enhanced by the sound of the hand-ringing of the church bells, the celebratory mass accompanied by the brass band and church choir, and the stunning view of the Mur Valley, the neighbouring municipality of St. Marein-Feistritz, and the Seckau Alps. The plague candle procession serves not only as a reminder of having been spared from terrible events, but also as an opportunity to bless and pray for people, animals, land, and fields.
After it has taken place, there is a communal garden party accompanied by a brass band concert, food, drinks, and market stalls selling sweets and toys for children.
A large number of people are involved in the organisation and execution of the plague candle procession. The participants are united by their shared commitment, regardless of whether they actively contribute to the success of the event or are present as visitors. The plague candle procession brings people together, creates a sense of identity, and fills them with joy because of its unique character.
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