Liichtmëssdag – Groundhog Day
On February 2, Luxembourg’s children celebrate Liichtmëssdag [USA: Groundhog Day; UK: Candlemas; France: Fête de la Chandeleur]. Observed 40 Days after Christmas, the feast marks the end of the Epiphany season. Traditionally, on this day candles to be used throughout the year are blessed (Candlemas = Candle Mass). The children roam door to door, carrying lanterns, and in the old days, sticks that glowed (Liichtbengelcher), singing an old traditional tune. Treats, and hard cash, are welcome rewards for the wishes conveyed.
The traditional ditty is sung loud enough to command attention
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| Luxembourg, ca. 1910 |
| Léiwer Härgottsblieschen, Gitt ons Speck an Ierbëssen, Ee Pond, zwee Pond, Dat anert Joer, Da gitt der gesond, da gitt der gesond. Loosst déi jong Leit liewen, An déi al derniewent. Kommt der net bal, D'Féiss ginn ons kal; Kommt der net gläich, Da gi mer op d'Schläich; Kommt der net geschwënn, D'Féiss ginn ons dënn; Kommt der net gewëss, Da krit der e Schouss voll Nëss ! | Dear God’s little Saint Blasius, Give us bacon and peas, One pound, two pounds, The next year, You will be well, you’ll be well. Let young people live, And their elders next to them. If you do not come promptly, Our feet get frosty; If you do not come right away, We’ll go skate; If you do not come soon, Our feet get tinny; If you do not come at once, You’ll get a lapful of nuts! |
