In the heart of Lower Lusatia, where Brandenburg and Lausitz meet, a timeless tradition beats on, defying the encroaching chill of Christmas: the Jänschwalder Christ Child, or Sorbian Bog, bestows his blessings upon the community. This divine figure, bedecked in white beaded ribbons and a verdant headpiece, trots around town, his signature bell jingling in the chilly December air.
The Wendish Museum in Cottbus and the Witaj Language Center welcomed a group of eager learners who were embarking on their Sorbian linguistic journey, inviting them to take part in this age-old custom. Accompanying its learners from kindergarten to their high school days, the Witaj Language Center has taken on the keen responsibility of preserving this minority language.
Cloaked in white beaded ribbons, gloves, boots, and a skirt adorned with embroidered ribbons, the Jänschwalder Christkind bears a small bag full of apples and nuts - a long-held christening gift. The Christkind is set apart by his melodic little bell, which rings out as he dashes from village to village, doling out blessings.
As he approaches, the Christkind touches a person's shoulder with his "rod of life," gently stroking their cheek. Those touched find themselves imbued with luck and health for the new year ahead, devoid of any pomp or fanfare. In silence, the ceremony takes place, reinforcing the contemplative spirit of the season.
This pre-Christmas custom is also honored in the Schleife area of Upper Lusatia, Saxony. Intriguing tales persist of the Christkind, who—when called as the "dźěćetko" in local villages—donned his distinct traditional garb and embarked on his blessings tour. Legend holds that once, the Christkind was barred from crossing village borders or meeting another child, as the result was purportedly ill-fortune.
Interest in the Sorbian language continues to surge, as confirmed by Madlena Norberg, an educator who works for the Witaj Language Center and the Wendish Museum Support Association. The number of children learning Sorbian as a foreign language or as a bilingual subject has reached staggering heights – to the tune of 1,900 children across Lower Lusatia's 21 participating schools. Each parent continues to champion their children's exposure to the Sorbian language, ensuring that the thread of this enchanting culture will persist.
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Although Christmas is fast approaching, Lower Lusatia's traditions and customs, including the pre-Christmas visit of the Jänschwalder Christkind, remain steadfast in fostering a sense of unity and cultural identity in the population.
