18.12 Weihnachtsschießen

Yesterday was the beginning of WEIHNACHTSSCHIESSEN, Christmas Shooting, in Berchtesgaden, southern Bavaria, and the ringing of church bells and gun salutes welcomed the coming of the CHRISTKIND, Christ Child. 

Now there will be Weihnachtsschießen und Christkindl-Anschießen every afternoon, from 3pm to 3.15pm, until Heiligabend, Christmas Eve. Then, between 11:30 and midnight, the shooting will increase in volume...a reminder for everyone out there that it's time to leave for midnight mass.

And silence returns to the mountains.

In many parts of Germany the Christ Child, Christkindl, is the bringer of gifts.

Although first mentioned in 1666 the 'noise' part of the shooting tradition goes back further. In Berchtesgaden it was a part of pagan rites for chasing away winter's cold and darkness, as well as stirring nature from its winter sleep.

These days HANDBÖLLER, hand cannon, hand-held, short-barreled black powder saluting guns are used, but in the 14th century firearms had not yet arrived on the scene so cowbells, and chains, produced the noise necessary to begin frightening away the 'Kalte Jahreszeit'.

The marksmen are members of Schützenverein, special groups, and here is a 1.50 min video to give you a taste of Weihnachtsschiessen, as well as some great views of the area: https://youtu.be/9r2AJ2OYpDw

The commentary is in Bairisch, Bavarian dialect, but it doesn't really need words.

Photo credit: Christkindl-Schiessen der Weihnachtsschuetzen, Berchtesgadener Land Tourismus, berchtesgadener-land.com.