Metzger jump in Munich: Tradition attracts spectators year after year!

In the heart of Salzburg, an extraordinary ritual took place today: after the festival service in the Franziskanerkirche, a group of 13 apprentices jumped into a bottish full of water. This traditional butcher jump, a symbolic act in which the journeyman is washed in by their "sins" during the apprenticeship, attracted numerous visitors. In freezing temperatures, the prospective butchers not only showed great courage, but two of them at the same time passed the master's examination, which made the day a particularly solemn occasion, as ORF reported.

The interest in the tradition of the butcher jump has its origin in Munich in the 16th century. There, this custom had been prohibited in the meantime because the hustle and bustle often ended in riots. King Maximilian II brought this old people's consumption back to life around 1850, and King Ludwig II was also an enthusiastic viewer of the hustle and bustle. Today, the butcher leap, which is carried out every three years in the relief of the butchers, is still celebrated in Munich, most recently on September 11, 2016, as Munichkindl explained. The fish fountain, which was built according to the model of old traditions, adorns the scene and has been a popular meeting place on Marienplatz since 1954.

a living tradition

The history of the butcher jump is rich in importance: originally one jumped into the water to show that the plague was defeated and that the water was no longer at risk. Young journeyman who were adorned with skins and veal tails entertained the onlookers by spraying them with water. This cheerful spectacle is deeply rooted in Munich and reminds of past times, as a community and tradition, played a central role in the life of people. The connection to the old customs is still evident today, and the butcher leap remains a highlight in the event calendar in both Salzburg and Munich.