Liichtmëssdag (Candlemass)

Liichtmëssdag, one of Luxembourg’s oldest traditions, takes place every year on 2 February. On this day, in the early evening, children roam the streets of their local neighbourhood with their so-called “Liichtebengelcher”, colourful handmade lanterns. Split up into groups, they go from house to house singing the song “Léiwer Härgottsblieschen” in the hopes of receiving sweets and money.

This tradition dates back to the pre-Christian era but has since become associated with Saint Blaise, one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers in Roman Catholicism, whose Saint’s Day is celebrated the day after Candlemass.

Here are the lyrics of the traditional song “Léiwer Härgottsblieschen”:

Léiwer Härgottsblieschen,

Gitt ons Speck an Ierbessen

Ee Pond, zwee Pond,

Dat anert Joer da gitt der gesond,

Da gitt der gesond.

Loosst déi jonk Leit liewen

Loosst déi al Leit stierwen,

(Variante: 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 kritt Der e Schouss voll Nëss