In 1984, a number of Greiveldange locals decided to organise a special festival on Ascension Day to mark a Luxembourgish tradition that has been in existence since the 17th century. A year later, the first edition of the ‘Léiffrawëschdag’ was born, establishing itself in the streets around the Moselle village’s church.
Locally-made bouquets of flowers and herbs are assembled by Greiveldange residents and used to decorate the village. Tradition dictates the bouquets, known as the ‘Wësch’, are to be taken to church to be blessed, along with bread and wine. This should in turn bring luck and ensure a bountiful harvest for farmers, as well as protecting farm animals from illness, according to the ancient beliefs.
The tradition experienced a decline prior to the 1980s as a result of dwindling numbers of farmers in the area, but since its revival, the festival has become increasingly popular, attracting between 5,000 and 7,000 visitors each year. The bouquets are now sold to raise money for local charities.
