Biberacher Christmas magic: This is how the Christkindle Ralassa inspires!

Biberacher Christmas magic: This is how the Christkindle Ralassa inspires!

Biberach, Deutschland - On Christmas Eve, the traditional Christmas consumption "Christkindle Ralassa" took place in Biberach, which moved many people to the Biberacher Marktplatz. The custom that is around 200 years old marks the beginning of Christmas Eve and attracts thousands of visitors every year. From 5 p.m., members of the local council distributed 5,000 gingerbread to children while a wind orchestra played Christmas carols.

The first preparation for the event started in the afternoon at 2 p.m. Stefan Hirsch, foreman in the municipal construction company, has been involved in the organization for 22 years. At 5 p.m., the employees in the roof room met for the final preparation, supplemented by a radio connection to colleagues in the town hall and on the market square. At 5:30 p.m. the lights went out on the Christmas tree, and the musicians played the Biberacher pastoral. As part of the ceremony, the Christ child, an approximately 60 kg object, was abandoned by hand crank, which triggered a delighted “Aaah” for the audience when the outer lighting was switched on.

Details on tradition

The Christ doll, which hovered on the facade of the historic Gutermann’s houses during the song "Silent Night, Holy Night", is almost a meter tall and is framed by illuminated angels and stars. The custom was originally launched in the 19th century by a pharmacist at the former Kron pharmacy. In 1904 the municipal foundation "Hospital zum Holy Spirit" took over the event and moved it to the Spitalhof. Due to the growing number of visitors, the “Christkindle Ralassa” has been celebrated on the Biberacher Marktplatz since 1960.

After the floating gem, which was accompanied by a loud ringing of bells of the parish church, the lights lit around the market square again. The impressive lighting is controlled via an electrical switching board, which ensures the smooth running of the ceremony. The tree and gable lighting followed on commands that elicited another enthusiastic "Aaaaah" to the spectators.

After the event, the workers involved received a schnapps before the breakdown started. The aim was to be at home around 8 p.m. to celebrate Christmas Eve with the family, as was reported. Horst Gutermann, who provides his house for tradition, has also been an integral part of the action for years.

For more information about this festive tradition in Biberach, see Schwaebische.de and and swr.de.