Feast of Saint Cunigunde, Empress and Wife of Saint Henry, Emperor and Patron of Benedictine Oblates

Empress of Hearts

On 3 March, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saint Cunigunde, wife of Emperor Henry II and founder of the Archbishopric of Bamberg. She died on 3 March 1033 and was canonised on 29 March 1200. Since 1513, her relics have rested alongside those of her husband in Tilman Riemenschneider's world-famous tomb in Bamberg Cathedral.

Cunigunde is a Germanic name that was often passed on by noble families in the Middle Ages. It consists of the meanings "clan" and "battle". And the weather situation between winter and spring can certainly be described as a battle. In concrete terms, it is the eastern cold front that is struggling with the western warm current.

Barefoot over glowing ploughshares

At first, Saint Cunigunde also had to struggle with herself and her envious friends, for she was accused of marital infidelity. At first, Heinrich did not care about the gossip. But as the rumours grew, Cunigunde asked him to prove her innocence by a divine judgement: According to legend, she had red-hot ploughshares brought in the presence of the people. After praying fervently, she crossed herself and walked barefoot over the red-hot iron without hurting herself in the slightest.

Thus the red-hot ploughshares became a fitting symbol for the beginning of the agricultural year and the approaching spring.

But the weather forecast in Franconia is more for mulled wine this year, even though meteorological spring is supposed to arrive today, 1 March. But night frosts and later snow leave the farmers' rules cold: "An Cunigund kümmt die Wärm fe unt" and "Lachende Cunigunde bringt frohe Kunde".

The "father of the economic miracle", Ludwig Erhard (1897 - 1977), finds a diplomatic compromise: "If things turn out better than predicted, then even the false prophet is forgiven. Meanwhile, even before climate change, the postman brought good news to Cunigunde when he delivered and distributed the much-coveted "Raakaddn". (Cathcon: I think this is a ticket for a spring festival, also known as a Ranga Certificate)

The "Rejdiche Beckla", an old-fashioned "Poste" or carriage delivering the post, was entrusted with this highly explosive mission in the Rodach valley.

The ticket for a wind-protected square on the Zeyerner Flur and at the "Eibich" cost five marks plus a pint of beer for the "Top Secret" seal of quality. In return, spring fever was allowed to flare up and "butterflies in the stomach" fluttered to their hearts' content.

"Saint Cunigunde, noble lady, look down upon us with grace. Take our land in your guard, that God's blessing may rest upon it," is the hymn of praise on the feast of Saint Cunigunde, where the faithful are bound together by the bond of friendship. And for all the humorous and good-humoured Kunis, Gundas and Kunnela in the Franconian Forest, it will certainly be a very special joy that at least Lent is off to a good start this year. With this in mind: all the best for your name day.

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