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Peace light brings hope: Stainz celebrates a contemplative Christmas tradition
On December 25, 2024, the Peace Light was ceremoniously distributed in Stainz by walkers and runners led by Wolfgang Gaich.
Peace light brings hope: Stainz celebrates a contemplative Christmas tradition
In Stainz, the Peace Light was received in style and ceremoniously at the main square. Led by Wolfgang Gaich, a group of walkers and runners, including the pumpkin seed oil Amazon Gudrun Nikodem-Eichenhardt, brought the light to the waiting citizens. This special tradition has been maintained for 32 years, and Andreas Gaich, who organized the festival, expressed the hope that the light, which this year is difficult to fulfill its name given the global unrest, will still bring peace to people's hearts. The celebration of reflection was led by the priests Marius Enåşel and László László, who characterized the light as an encouragement for a contemplative Christmas season. How meinkreis.at reported, numerous people gathered under the Christmas tree to pick up the peace light, while a brass quartet provided festive sounds.
The blessing ceremony highlighted the importance of light in times of uncertainty and darkness. The two clergymen emphasized that peace is not just the absence of war, but also requires the balancing of different interests. Particularly relevant topics such as current global insecurity and persecution of Christians were openly addressed, combining the festive mood with deep reflection on the real world. “Just when depression seems to be overwhelming us, God is there for the helpless,” was one of the messages that emerged from the ceremony. Former mayor Walter Eichmann thanked everyone involved and hopes that the light will shine in the families and soon throughout the world.
Art of light in focus
Not far from this solemn event, another facet of light appears. Since the 1990s, light festivals have been a transnational trend that is becoming increasingly important. How lichtnet.de reports, these festivals have initiated a deeper examination of the art history of light. The first included festivals such as “Lux” in Helsinki and the “Fête des Lumières” in Lyon, which to this day present a large number of light art installations. These developments underscore how light serves not only as a symbol of hope, but also as a medium of artistic expression.