Luxembourg traditions and customs. Customs and traditions of Luxembourg, national character traits, characteristic rituals. Customs and traditions of Luxembourg
The most important events in the cultural life of Luxembourg every year are Octave, Revue and Foer, said a local comedian, and in a sense he is right. Three times a year, tradition forces the villagers of Luxembourg to go on pilgrimage to their capital: on the Octave for eight days of prayer dedicated to Our Lady, the Consolatrix Afflictorum (Comforter of the Suffering); on the Review - a satirical review of the political year; and to the Schuberfoer, or simply Foer, a fun fair that takes place over several weeks.
Is it true what they say about holidays in Luxembourg?
If you take a closer look, it becomes clear that most of the holidays originate from the religious tradition of the country.
St Blasius Day
The feast of St. Blaise of Sebaste, celebrated on February 2, may come before Lent, but it is not associated with carnival. On St. Blaise, children carrying canes with small lanterns attached to the end, called Liichtebengelcher, or some modern, more complex version of the same device, go from house to house, singing the song of St. Vlasia: "Léiwer Herrgottsblieschen, gëff äis Speck an Ierbessen..." and asking for a treat. The tradition is called liichten (Day of Light). The song mentions bacon and peas, suggesting that long ago on St. Blaise the poor man asked for food and perhaps even cookies, which are eaten on Fat Tuesday. Like many other traditions, this tradition was formed over a long period of time. Today, the beggars are small children who happily accept the treat, although they prefer the coins or, even better, the rustling banknote that parents sometimes give, watching from the sidelines.
Burning of the Burg
On the Sunday after Fat Tuesday, Burgsonndeg (Burg Sunday) is celebrated, when the Burg - a tall pile of hay, brushwood and logs, often with a cross on top, turns into a blazing bonfire. At the hour appointed for this performance, the architects and builders of this bonfire - usually urban youth - march in a torchlight procession to the scene, their progress closely watched by volunteers from the local fire station. It can be chilly outside waiting for the fire to light, so a barbecue and mulled wine are provided for support and warmth. In some cities, the honor of setting the Buerg on fire goes to a couple of local residents who have just gotten married.
Buergsonndeg is a tradition with a long, time-honored past. The fire symbolizes the farewell of winter, the arrival of spring and the victory of warmth over cold or light over darkness. Some say this is one of the last reminders of the Inquisition, when witches were burned.
According to legend, after the Gloria Mundi Mass on Maundy Thursday, church bells fly to Rome to receive absolution from the Pope. While the bells are on their way, on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday, schoolchildren take over their duties, calling the local population to services by loudly knocking on wooden rattles, turning rattles and beating drums. This is what they shout: “Fir d”éischt Mol, fir d”zweet Mol, “t laut of” (we call once, we call twice, we call all together).
Klibberjongen (rattle boys) are a thing of the past, but only because girls are now allowed to join in the fun. Young noisemakers are paid with Easter eggs or an extra coin, which they usually collect by going door to door on Easter Sunday morning, after the bells are returned to the bell tower. “Dik-dik-dak, dik-dik-dak, haut as Ouschterdag” (wake up, today is Easter) is sung in the traditional Klibberlidd song.
In Luxembourg, as one of the Christian countries, Easter would be incomplete without the Easter bunny and Easter eggs. Parents and grandparents hide Easter eggs around the house or in the garden in little "nests" and then watch as their children have fun searching for them. And although supermarkets sell Easter eggs in industrial quantities, the practice of hand-painting Easter eggs at home still persists.
On Bratzelsonndeg (pretzel Sunday), men give their girlfriends or wives a pretzel, a symbol of love; At Easter, women offer their friends or husbands a praline-filled chocolate Easter egg.
The public or popular Easter celebration takes place on Easter Monday, not Easter Sunday. Many families attend one of the country's two Éimaischen fairs - one held in the old city quarter of the capital at Fëschmaart (fish market), and the other in Nospelt, a town in the canton of Capellen in the west of the country.
The Éimaischen on Feshmaart finishes at noon, but in Nospelt the fun continues until the evening. Food, drink and folk entertainment are important, but the main focus of both fairs is pottery. In Nospelt, which boasts reserves of fine clay, craftsmen working with the potter's wheel demonstrate their skills. At Feshmaart and Nospelt, visitors are offered traditional gifts to commemorate the Éimaischen: "Péckvillchen" - bird-shaped clay whistles that make a sound similar to the cry of a cuckoo.
The Octave holiday in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the main religious event of the year. It is usually celebrated for 14 days in the second half of April. Then parishioners from Luxembourg, the German Eifel, the Belgian province of Luxembourg and the Lorraine region in France, make a pilgrimage to the cathedral of the capital of Luxembourg. This tradition began in 1666, when a council consisting of the then provinces of Luxembourg chose the Virgin Mary, Comforter of the Suffering, as the patroness of Luxembourg, appealing to Her to protect the people from the plague. The historical origins of the dark wood statue of the Virgin Mary have not been determined. What is known is that in 1666 the Jesuits moved it from the old Glacis church to today's cathedral, which was then the Jesuit church. During the Octave period, a statue of the Virgin Mary stands on a special altar in the main choir.
On the outskirts of the city, pilgrims gather in a procession, then walk to the Cathedral. During the Octave, each parishioner and participating organization reserves their own Masses. After services at the cathedral, pilgrims can find food and drink at the Octave Market (Oktavsmäertchen) on Place Guillaume (Knuedler). This market has long been part of the Octave tradition, and some stands still sell religious items and souvenirs.
The octave ends with a festive procession that carries the statue of the Virgin Mary through the streets of the capital. The cortege includes members of the Grand Ducal House, representatives of the Government, the Chamber of Deputies, courts and other institutions.
Blessed Virgin Mary of Fatima
Our Lady of Fatima plays an important role in the country's religious life, which is not surprising since approximately twelve percent of Luxembourg's population is Portuguese. This has been going on since 1968, when her apparition occurred on Ascension, near Wiltz, in the Oesling region.
Genzefest (Gënzefest broom festival), Vilz
Broom grows throughout the country, but nowhere is it found in such quantities as on the bluffs and hilltops in the Oesling area. In the week after Whitsunday, the usually drab northern areas are completely transformed by millions of small yellow flowers.
Wiltz honors the broom on Gënzefest, which is celebrated on the Monday after Trinity. The two main attractions are the traditional parade, which celebrates the broom blossoms and the customs of the old agricultural country.
Procession of jumpers in Echternach
The procession of jumpers in Echternach (Echternach Sprangpressessioun) is part of an ancient religious tradition. However, unlike the celebration of the Octave in the capital, it is known far beyond Luxembourg and enjoys an international reputation as a somewhat unusual tradition. It all takes place on the Tuesday after Trinity and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The origins of this procession go back to pagan times. An 8th century legend traces the existence of this tradition to the time of St. Willibrord, founder of Echternach Abbey until the time of Laange Veith, also called the "Echternach violinist". According to this story, Feit went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with his wife, who died during the long journey. When, years later, he returned home alone, his relatives, who had appropriated his property during his absence, started a rumor that she had died by his hand. This thrice-unfortunate man was captured, tortured, found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging.
When asked about his last wish before hanging, Faith asked for his violin, which was handed to him, and began to play. The inhabitants of the city, who had gathered to watch the execution, succumbed to an uncontrollable desire, began to dance and could not stop while he played and, despite the exhaustion of many of them, who fell to the ground from fatigue, the majority continued to dance for a long time after Faith, Continuing to play, he came down from the gallows and disappeared from the city. I needed the prayer of St. Willibrord, who hastened to the scene of events to save the inhabitants from the dance of St. Vitus - a spell cast on them by the innocent "Echternach violinist".
Many years ago, people believed that the procession of jumpers cured the dance of St. Vitus and other diseases and ailments of people and animals. Today, some may call it folklore, forgetting that for centuries it was a great and solemn religious event that attracted believers from distant places. Most of them came on foot. To this day, stories are told of parishioners from Prüm in the Eifel who never set out for Echternach without taking several coffins with them, because inevitably one or two pilgrims died on the way.
The procession of jumpers performs the following dance: two steps to the left, two to the right. In the past, the established movement involved three steps forward and two steps back, which gave rise to the famous metaphor: "walking with an Ecternach step." The procession, consisting of lines of five or seven dancers, each holding a corner of a handkerchief, moves slowly forward to the repeating, drawn-out, trance-inducing melody of the procession of jumpers - an ancient, cheerful tune that subsides and resumes, like the folk song "At Adam's" there were seven sons." Long after the end of the day, this melody continues to ring in my ears.
The musicians include large and small brass bands from all over the country, accordion players, and sometimes even violinists. The procession takes about three hours to pass through the streets of the old abbey town, with bands and a swaying cortege passing in front of the tomb of St. Willibrord, who is buried in the basilica. Ten thousand spectators line the streets.
National holiday
History tells us that Luxembourg was an independent country with its own dynasty for a relatively short period of time. In the 19th century, Luxembourgers celebrated their national holiday on Kinnéksdag (King's Day: the birthday of the King of the Netherlands). The first patriotic holiday of the new country was the Birthday of the Grand Duchess (Groussherzoginsgebuertsdag). Grand Duchess Charlotte, who reigned from 1919 to 1964, was born on January 23, but to take advantage of the more pleasant summer weather, her birthday celebrations were postponed six months to June 23. After Grand Duke Jean inherited the throne, June 23 became a national holiday.
Celebrations in the capital begin with a torchlight parade in front of the palace, where people gather to welcome the ducal family. Then thousands of people gather to watch the fireworks (Freedefeier), which are launched from the Pont Adolphe. Later, the capital is in a festive mood, when every square offers entertainment: brass bands, musicians and various ensembles, clowns, mime artists, fire eaters and generally all kinds of street performers.
On the National Day, the Grand Duke hosts a military parade on the Avenue de la Liberté. The ducal family and members of the political establishment then proceed to the cathedral, where they take part in the Te Deum in honor of the House of Luxembourg, which is held with great pomp. The service always culminates with the hymn Domine salvum fac magnum ducem nostrum for four voices, performed in a new arrangement each year. The national celebration ends with a rifle salute at Fort Thüngen (Dräi Eechelen).
Each of the country's 118 cities organizes some kind of celebration. The local church sponsors a Te Deum, the mayor addresses the assembled citizens with a patriotic speech, and honorable members of local associations, brass bands, and volunteer fire departments take the stage to receive shiny medals, which are pinned on their proudly puffed-out chests. Then representatives of the city's political establishment and their clubs and associations retire to a local restaurant for a democratic banquet.
Schueberfouer
Now no one knows how this former market, now an amusement fair, got its colloquial name. Some say that the name comes from "Schadebuerg" the name of the fort on the Plateau do St. Esprit where this market was originally held; others believe that it comes from the word “schober” (Schober - haystack or threshing floor), because the day of the fair almost coincides with St. Bartholomew, the traditional harvest festival. The holiday of Schuberfoer was established in 1340 by John of Luxembourg (the Blind), Count of Luxembourg and King of Bohemia. A monument to him in a nearby park was erected at the expense of the owners of the fair's pavilions.
In the old days, the livestock market and flea market were open for eight days; their successor - today's fair - usually runs in the city for about three weeks, roughly coinciding with St. Day. Bartholomew - August 23. Over the years, the market gradually turned into an amusement fair, Kiermes, because the celebration of the day of the consecration of the cathedral (Kiermes) coincides with the Fouerzäit - the time of the Schuberfoer.
Today, the Schuberfoer, or simply Foer as most Luxembourgers call it, is held in the district capital of Limpertsberg in Glacis. There are roller coasters, a Ferris wheel and loud, thrilling theme park rides to suit every taste. Tenacious sellers who adhere to the surviving tradition of the old market can be found among the small stands displayed along the Schaeffer Alley. They offer nougat and roasted hazelnuts, ebony carvings from Africa, wonderful kitchen tools, bottle openers, old CDs...
As always, food and drink take center stage. One of the dishes deserves special mention: Fouerfësch - whiting fish fried in beer yeast, which is traditionally served with "Fritten" (fried potatoes) and washed down with a glass of beer or a glass of dry Mosel wine.
A few words must also be said about the Hemmelsmarsch ("sheep march"): in the early morning of the Kirmes holiday, always on Sundays, troupes of musicians, dressed in blue costumes to resemble 19th century farmers, walk through the streets of the capital behind a shepherd and a small herd of funny-haired sheep Tradition requires musicians to play the "March of the Sheep," an old folk tune, and sometimes sing words written by national poet Michel Lenz.
A shepherd, his sheep and musicians attend Foer's official opening. The mayor of the city presides over a short ceremony, followed by a walk through the exhibition grounds to mark the start of the exhibition - a wonderful opportunity to "meet the people". The walk ends with a platter of "Kiermesham" (ham) and "Kiermeskuch" (pie), served in one of Foer's restaurants.
But Foer's time does not pass without a hint of sadness. At the beginning of August, when the amusement park flies up and down, and the steel silhouette of a Ferris wheel suddenly appears in the city panorama, it becomes a little sad that summer is coming to an end. By the last day of the fair, when the final fireworks (Freedefeier) colors the night, swallows will already be gathering on the street farewells.
Grape festivals and wine festivals
These days, grapes are grown almost exclusively on the banks of the Moselle. Small quantities of grapes grown along the Sauer are transported to the Mosel for wine production. Luxembourg winemakers produce seven varieties of white wines: Ebling, Rivaner, Auxerrois, Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Small quantities of rosé are also produced: Ebling rosé, Pinot rosé and Pinot noir. Winemakers also produce several varieties of sparkling wines, which locals - and not only them, because there are many admirers of this drink - call "Champes".
There are certain differences between grape festivals and wine festivals. Grape festivals are usually held in October, as thanks for a good grape harvest. In Grevenmacher, for example, the Queen of the Grapes is paraded through the city, with a parade, bands, music and wine. Unique is the Schwebsang Grape Festival, where wine flows instead of water in the city fountain.
Wine festivals are actually village celebrations that are usually held in the spring, in the meeting room of the local winery or under a large tent outside. Their main goal is communication. They feature dance music, traditional food, wine (and beer).
Proufdag (sampling day), Wënzerdag (winemaker's day) and Wäimaart (wine market) are intended for “professionals”. Every wine company organizes one of these events during the May-June period, when it sends out invitations to taste the latest wines. The best wines still need to age, but no true expert would hesitate to confidently predict: “This wine is sure to be a Grand Premier Cru.”
St Nicholas
St. Nicholas, who lived in the 4th century, was the archbishop of Lycia in Asia Minor. His life is shrouded in many legends (of which the most famous is the legend of how he miraculously rescued three children from a pickling barrel where they had been sent by a mad butcher). Thus, St. Nicholas became the patron saint of children. On the eve of his feast day, which falls on December 6, he descends from heaven, accompanied by his black servant Ruprecht (called Houseker by the Luxembourgers) and a donkey laden with gifts, to reward little children who have behaved well.
In some cities, the saint and his black-clad servant go from house to house on the evening of December 5th, delivering gifts to small children. If this happens, it means that the parents “arranged” it. Usually, however, the next morning, December 6th, the children rise early to find their plates overflowing with chocolates and gifts, but the saint nowhere in sight, unless the city or one of its associations has organized a public appearance by Kleeschen (the diminutive from St. Nicholas). In this case, a local brass band will play on the street to greet the saint when he arrives by car, train, boat, or even airplane, and escort him to the concert hall, where children are already waiting to greet him with songs and performances . The evening always ends with a carefully organized “heavenly” distribution of gifts.
St. Nicholas should not be confused with the German Weihnachtsmann or the French Father Christmas (Père Noël). These gentlemen never appear before Christmas. But the grinning, bearded figures dressed in red and white that suddenly appear in supermarkets the day after Halloween make it difficult for little children to distinguish St. Nicholas from Santa Claus.
Formally, there are three main languages in Luxembourg, each of which is spoken by the majority of the country's population. At the same time, the official languages listed in the constitution and taught in schools are German and French. In oral speech and everyday communication, residents speak Luxembourgish (or Letzemburgesh). It is based on Low German dialects mixed with French words and expressions.
Writing is based on the Latin alphabet. Parliamentary affairs, trade relations, office and government decrees are conducted in French, and it is also studied in high school. German is the language of the media; elementary school children also study it.
We must not forget, however, about international English. Part of the population also speaks it; English is especially common in the tourism sector.
Religion
Predominant religion Luxembourg is Catholic Christianity (97% of the population), it is not without reason that this country is considered the stronghold of the Catholic faith in Europe. In addition, representatives of Protestantism and Judaism live in the country.
There are also about 5 thousand Orthodox citizens in the country. Mostly they come from Greece, but there are also Russians. Orthodoxy is included in the list of official confessions of Luxembourg. It is possible to visit Greek, Russian, Serbian and Romanian parishes.
Behavior rules
The most important rule that a visitor must adhere to is Luxembourg tourist, is a polite and respectful attitude towards local residents. There is no doubt about the same manifestations on their part.
Cheeky and noisy behavior in public places will not cause approval, as will being late for meetings; Luxembourgers value punctuality.
It must be remembered that the power of religious influence on the daily life of a country is quite great. Thus, during a meal it is often necessary to pray or cross the bread before starting to eat it.
National holidays in Luxembourg:
- January 1 - New Year;
- March-April - Easter and Easter Monday;
- May 1 - Labor Day;
- May - Ascension of the Lord;
- May-June - Spiritual Day;
- June 23 - National holiday, Birthday of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg;
- August 15 - Assumption;
- November 1-2 - All Saints' Day;
- November 2 - Memorial Day;
- December 25 - Christmas;
- December 26 is St. Stephen's Day.
Luxembourg is a small European county, the characteristic features of which are a high standard of living and the civilization of the local population. Visitors often pay attention to the reserve and aloofness of Luxembourgers, who are accustomed to a quiet life in a narrow circle of relatives and a few friends. But at the same time, the residents of Luxembourg remain friendly and polite towards both visitors and people they simply don’t know.
On the streets of the city you are unlikely to witness a verbal altercation, since the character of Luxembourgers is equanimity. Paradoxically, despite the external coldness, city residents easily respond to other people's problems and misfortunes.
Traditions and customs of Luxembourg
Tourists planning to visit Luxembourg should remember the constant rule of the duchy - politeness and respect for the indigenous population. Fans of noisy and cheeky behavior who are late for planned events will be condemned and criticized.
One of the features of Luxembourg is also the preservation and enhancement of national traditions. For this purpose, a cultural union has been created, which is in charge of the centuries-old history of the state and everything connected with it. The cultural life of the city is interesting. Luxembourgers have an extraordinary love for music, which is why there are many different orchestras in the city. The government has also established awards in the field of art and literature, which annually helps to find talented people and reveal their capabilities.
Surprisingly, the indigenous population of Luxembourg City takes virtually no part in the city's nightlife. Entertainment establishments and events are designed for visitors, and prices for entertainment are much higher than in any other part of the state.
Residents of the duchy are distinguished by pedantry, excellent ability to work, punctuality, and accuracy in everything. Luxembourgers adopted these character traits from their German and French neighbors. Residents of Luxembourg are wary and distrustful of innovations in various sectors of life, which is probably why many of the benefits of civilization have found a place in the well-functioning lives of city residents for a long time.
One might say that crimes are extremely rare here. Residents of the city literally know each other by sight, and it is impossible to commit, let alone hide, an offense. But despite this, the information life of the city is very developed, radio and television operate, and various newspapers are published.
Religion and everything about it
As for religion, most of the population of Luxembourg professes Catholic Christianity. Along with this, representatives of Protestantism and Judaism can also be found in the country.
In addition, Orthodox Christians also live in Luxembourg. These are mainly immigrants from Russia and Greece. Orthodoxy is a recognized religion in the country, so you can visit Orthodox churches.
The piety of Luxembourgers is so great that you can often see people praying and making the sign of the cross before eating.
Traditions and holidays of Luxembourg
There are many in Luxembourg, which all citizens celebrate with pleasure, but Emechene is considered the most colorful and noisy. It is held on the Monday after Easter and is always accompanied by markets and sales, where you can buy souvenirs made by artisans in the best traditions of the county.
February in Luxembourg is annually the month of celebration of the Burgsonndeg festival. This amazing carnival reminds townspeople of the approaching Lent.
Fuesent, which continues the Carnival season and is celebrated for three days: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, is considered popular in these places. At this time, the city is everywhere decorated with many masquerade balloons.
Local children celebrate the Kannerfuesbals children's carnival. Holiday attributes can be found in any of the city’s stores. It is a Luxembourg tradition to treat everyone to special cookies on each Carnival day.
Spring has prepared special holidays: the Feast of the First Flowers, St. Willibrord's Day and the Catholic Octaves Festival.
The Birthday of the Grand Duke is celebrated very solemnly and pompously. Celebrations and festivities are accompanied by a torchlight procession and fireworks in honor of the monarch.
It is also worth noting the charity festival of Schobermess, celebrated by Luxembourgers in August-September every year. The capital of the duchy celebrates the Beer Festival in September.
Between March and May, Luxembourg hosts dance and pantomime festivals. Rock music lovers can enjoy their favorite compositions throughout the summer.
The Schueberführer festival attracts many guests with its frivolity and spontaneity. Wine festivals take place in the Mosel Valley and last until late autumn.
The procession of peasants and sheep, accompanied by national music, is considered curious and unique.
About half a million people live in Luxembourg, a third of whom are migrants from neighboring countries who came to earn money. The remainder are the indigenous population, calling themselves Lötzeburger.
In Luxembourg, as in many European countries, the demographic problem is acute. For many years, the death rate has exceeded the birth rate. The visitors who come to the country every year save the situation.
As you may have noticed, the national traditions and rituals of Luxembourg are quite diverse and each vacationer will be able to find something to their liking. When planning a trip, it is important to determine the purpose of the trip in advance. If you are coming to enjoy the atmosphere of the city and admire it, then it is better to come in the off-season, when the country is not crowded. If you want to take part in festivals and carnivals, to plunge into a free and slightly wild life, then it is better to come to Luxembourg from May to October. At this time, many national holidays are celebrated, which you can attend.
The birth of modern Luxembourg is associated with the name of Count Siegfried of Ardennes, who in 963 AD. e. built a castle and laid the foundation for a dynasty, whose representatives occupied the thrones of all the largest countries in Europe. Since the end of the Middle Ages, the rulers of Burgundy, Spain, France, Austria and Prussia fought for the possession of the city of Siegfried. More than 20 times over 400 years, the city was captured, destroyed and rebuilt, and as a result, the most powerful fortress in Europe after Gibraltar was built here.
After long wars, Belgium and Luxembourg came under the rule of the Austrian Habsburgs in 1713 and a relatively peaceful period began.
It was interrupted by the French Revolution. Republican troops entered Luxembourg in 1795, and the area remained under French rule during the Napoleonic Wars. At the Congress of Vienna 1814–1815, European powers first carved out Luxembourg as a Grand Duchy and gave it to King William I of the Netherlands in exchange for the former possessions, which were annexed to the Duchy of Hesse. Luxembourg, however, was simultaneously included in the confederation of independent states - the German Confederation, and Prussian troops were allowed to maintain their garrison in the capital's fortress.
The next change occurred in 1830, when Belgium, which also belonged to William I, rebelled. With the exception of the capital, which was held by a Prussian garrison, all of Luxembourg joined the rebels. Trying to overcome the division in the region, the great powers in 1831 proposed dividing Luxembourg: its western part with a French-speaking population became a province of independent Belgium. This decision was finally approved by the Treaty of London in 1839, and William remained the ruler of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which had greatly decreased in size. The Great Powers made it clear that they regarded the duchy as a state independent of the Netherlands, bound only by personal union with the ruler of that country. In 1842, Luxembourg joined the Customs Union of German States, founded in 1834. With the collapse of the German Confederation in 1866, the prolonged presence of the Prussian garrison in the city of Luxembourg began to cause discontent in France. King William III of the Netherlands offered to sell his rights to the Grand Duchy to Napoleon III, but at this time an acute conflict broke out between France and Prussia. The Second London Conference met in May 1867, and the Treaty of London, signed in September of the same year, resolved the simmering differences. The Prussian garrison was withdrawn from the city of Luxembourg, the fortress was liquidated. The independence and neutrality of Luxembourg were proclaimed. The throne in the Grand Duchy remained the privilege of the Nassau dynasty.
The personal union with the Netherlands was broken in 1890, when William III died and his daughter Wilhelmina inherited the Dutch throne. The Grand Duchy passed to another branch of the House of Nassau, and Grand Duke Adolf began to rule. After Adolf's death in 1905, the throne was taken by his son Wilhelm, who ruled until 1912. Then the reign of his daughter Grand Duchess Maria Adelaide began.
On August 2, 1914, Luxembourg was captured by Germany. At the same time, German troops entered Belgium. The German Foreign Minister promised Luxembourg to pay reparations for the violation of its neutrality, and the occupation of the country continued until the end of the First World War. With the restoration of independence in 1918, a number of changes occurred in Luxembourg. On January 9, 1919, Maria Adelaide abdicated the throne in favor of her sister Charlotte. The latter received an overwhelming majority in a referendum held in 1919 to decide whether Luxembourg wished to remain a Grand Duchy under the ruling house of Nassau. At the same time, constitutional reforms began in the spirit of democratization.
At the plebiscite of 1919, the population of Luxembourg expressed a desire to preserve the country's independence, but at the same time voted for an economic union with France.
However, France, in order to improve relations with Belgium, rejected this proposal and thereby prompted Luxembourg to enter into an agreement with Belgium. As a result, in 1921 a railway, customs and monetary union with Belgium was established that lasted for half a century.
Luxembourg's neutrality was violated for the second time by Germany when Wehrmacht troops entered the country on May 10, 1940. The Grand Duchess and members of her government fled to France, and after the latter's capitulation they organized the government of Luxembourg in exile, located in London and Montreal.
The German occupation was followed by the annexation of Luxembourg to Hitler's Reich in August 1942. In response, the country's population declared a general strike, to which the Germans responded with massive repressions. About 30 thousand residents, or more than 10% of the total population, including most young men, were arrested and expelled from the country.
In September 1944, Allied troops liberated Luxembourg, and on September 23 the government in exile returned to its homeland. The northern regions of Luxembourg were recaptured by German troops during the Ardennes offensive and were finally liberated only in January 1945.
Luxembourg took part in many post-war international agreements. He participated in the establishment of the UN, Benelux (which also included Belgium and the Netherlands), NATO and the EU. Luxembourg's role in the Council of Europe is also significant.
Luxembourg signed the Schengen Agreement in June 1990, abolishing border controls in the Benelux countries, France and Germany.
In February 1992, the country signed the Maastricht Treaty. Two Luxembourg representatives, Gaston Thorne (1981–1984) and Jacques Santerre (since 1995), served as presidents of EU commissions.
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in the world by area. Located in Europe, it has Belgium, Germany and France as neighbors, and Luxembourg's culture has been shaped by the particular influence of these countries.
From the early Middle Ages
The main cultural and artistic center of the country since the 7th century has been the monastery in Echternach. Its craftsmen produced skillful miniatures in which one could guess first Irish, and by the end of the 10th century, German traditions. Carvers decorated the Gospel with frames made of bone plates. Gold, ivory and silver were used to decorate sacred books.
The architects of medieval Luxembourg built castles and fortresses, most of which, unfortunately, have not survived to this day. Temples built in the XIV-XVI centuries were richly decorated with sculptural works.
In honor of the Duke
One of the main architectural attractions of the capital of the duchy is the Adolf Bridge. It connected Lower and Upper Luxembourg during the reign of Duke Adolphus at the beginning of the 20th century. The single-arch bridge is unique in that at the time of construction it was the largest stone structure of its kind in the world. Its length was 153 meters, with the length of the arch exceeding 80 meters.
The calling card of the city and a work of medieval culture in Luxembourg is its Cathedral, built in honor of Our Lady. The temple serves as an example of late Gothic architecture.
The main treasure of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Luxembourg for many decades has been the miraculous image of the Comforter of the Sorrowful, found at the end of the 18th century. The temple houses the tomb of the Grand Dukes and the tomb of King John the Blind of Bohemia.
Musical Luxembourg
Being close to Germany, the duchy could not help but fall under its musical influence. Certain “German” notes are clearly visible in the culture of Luxembourg, and the annual music festivals in Echternach are very reminiscent of the same holidays in Germany. Pop performers do not lag behind their colleagues in other countries of the Old World and have even become winners of such a prestigious competition as Eurovision more than once.
