Harvest Festival celebrations planned across Switzerland and Germany

Religious communities in Switzerland and Germany are preparing for Erntedank (Harvest Festival) celebrations, emphasizing gratitude for nature and the challenges posed by recent droughts.

In Switzerland, services in Abtwil will feature musical contributions from the Rüsstaler Jodelchörli and Oskar Betschart. Other scheduled services include musical accompaniment by the Heimatchörli Luzern. The celebrations serve as a reminder of human dependence on weather and natural resources following significant drought conditions.

In Germany, the EKD (Evangelical Church in Germany) is organizing activities for children and families. Programs include decorating churches with produce, communal meals, and using traditional songs by Matthias Claudius to engage younger generations through art and rhythmic activities.