Burgsonndeg!

February 13, 2013

I wanted to write about something new and different this week for my blog post. My search for something unique turned up Burgsonndeg, an old tradition from Luxembourg. This word is used to designate the first Sunday during Lent, and it falls this year on February 17th. In Luxembourg, young people gather wood and build a huge bonfire on a hill to represent the victory of the sun over winter.

I know quite a few people who are planning gardens, looking at landscaping books, and dreaming of warmer days ahead. You may be one of those people ready to be through with the short days of winter, too. Given our current drought situation here in Kansas City, maybe a big bonfire is not the best way to celebrate the coming of spring, but perhaps a small fire in your fireplace or fire pit could mark the occasion!

So there you have it...I have completed my quest to bring you something off the beaten path. No posts from me about Mardi Gras or Valentine's Day—those are fine holidays, but why be like everyone else when you could learn something new? That's what makes life fun, and your Library can help you learn something new every day.

Sheryl W.
North Oak Branch