Gurnitzer Ratsche herald Easter: the sound of tradition lives on!

Gurnitzer Ratsche herald Easter: the sound of tradition lives on!

At Easter, one of the most important festivals in the Christian calendar, the focus in many Catholic areas is on a tradition that is over 120 years old: from Maundy Thursday at 9:15 p.m., the church bells are silent as an expression of mourning for the death of Jesus Christ. During this period, a special form of musical rites of passage comes to the fore: the use of ratchet systems. In Gurnitz, it is the provost's historic Easter ratchet that bridges this silence. This unique wooden construction has a characteristic rattling sound and will also be heard this year from the tower of the oldest St. Martin's Church in Carinthia. Diocesan curator Rosmarie Schiestl dated the ratchet to the 19th century and added that an electric drive added in the 1960s ensures regular use during Holy Week.

The Gurnitzer Ratsche not only represents a part of local popular piety, but it also reminds us of the profound relationship between technology and faith. Every year the sound of the ratchet announces the upcoming Solemnity of the Resurrection and brings the community together.

Easter traditions and symbols

Easter is rich in traditional customs that are deeply rooted in the history of Christianity. A widespread tradition is the Easter candle, which symbolizes light and life. This tradition has its roots in early Christianity, when numerous candles illuminated the Easter vigil services. According to historical reports, candles up to two meters high were used to celebrate the Easter Vigil in Rome.

Another important custom is the Easter lamb, which is considered a symbol of defenselessness and the classic sacrificial animal in the Old Testament. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is referred to as the “Lamb of God” who went innocently to death. The tradition of slaughtering a lamb for Passover commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. Over the centuries, this custom developed, and today the Paschal lamb is often served in the form of a cake, often decorated with a victory flag, symbolizing resurrection and the overcoming of death.

Accompanied by these traditions, the Ratschen customs have also developed in Gurnitz, which are strongly interwoven with what Easter is all about. The combination of mourning death and anticipation of the resurrection is reflected in these customs, which make Easter a significant spiritual experience.

In conclusion, the diverse traditions and customs practiced at Easter not only reflect the religiosity of believers but also preserve the cultural heritage of a region. The Gurnitzer Ratsche is an impressive example of the living faith that is rooted in the community, while at the same time putting technological development at the service of the faith.

For more information about the traditions surrounding Easter, take a look at the detailed reports from Click Carinthia, Archdiocese of Vienna and Sunday paper.