First Bank of Berne was nominate

The History of Berne’s Weihnachtsfest

The word “Weihnachtsfest “ is difficult to pronounce and harder yet to understand! But those in and around the Berne area that still interpret and speak a little bit of the German/Swiss language know that the word simply means “Christmas Festival”. The name itself was suggested by Larry Dixon, past manager of Faith & Life Bookstore in Berne.

Weihnachtsfest in Berne was begun in 1983 by Rose Kirchhofer of Yager Furniture and Janice Hancock of The Young Ones Shop as a welcome to the approaching holiday season. Because of the rich Swiss tradition of the Berne community and the strong ties to its legacy, Weihnachtsfest is celebrated as a customary representation of our Swiss heritage. The Berne version of this event was patterned somewhat after a European custom. Specifically in German cities starting with Advent, usually the first Sunday in December, there are “Christmas markets” set up on the town squares. The most famous is in Nuremberg called Christkindl markt (Christ child market). These markets sell a wide variety of toys, gifts and Christmas goodies.

To understand and appreciate Weihnachtsfest, it is interesting to first learn how it is celebrated in Switzerland. A typical observance there begins with St. Nicholas’ Day on December 6. Children leave their shoes outside the door the night before, hoping for a treat from St. Nicholas. The next morning they awake to see what goodies they have received. December 25 in Switzerland is celebrated as a religious occasion commemorating the birth of Christ, although the way it is celebrated in the United States has somewhat influenced and changed the formality of that custom.

Interestingly, several of the Berne Weihnachtsfest traditions are actually a blend of two cultures. The beautiful luminarias that line up along the sidewalks in downtown Berne come from a practice that was begun in the southwestern part of the United States. There the luminarias are used to “light the path of the wise men to find the stable where the Christ child lay”. Over the years, Berne merchants have added small white lights to their businesses to enhance the effect of the “lighted path”.

Every year’s Weihnachtsfest continues those meaningful traditions, while also featuring other activities to embellish the sounds and sights of the Christmas season. Children will even have a chance to meet and talk with Santa Claus. The Berne community invites everyone to participate in and enjoy its annual event beginning the day after Thanksgiving. See you there!

Thanks to Irene Sprunger and Linda Walsh for contributing to this article.

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