Let the Disks fly

A tradtion in our area of Germany, which probably has its roots going back hundreds of years, is to mark the end of winter and invite spring to come.  This is connected to the Lent Season somehow and usually follows "Fasching" which is like Carnival or Mardi Gras.  While we don't take part in the colourful, loud, and often rowdy festivities that lead up to lent, we do join our village in the tradition of welcoming spring.

Every village lights a HUGE bonfire on the highest hill above their town.  I think all of the tree cuttings and Christmas trees are collected for months and added to the pile.  It is as big as a house.  There are many little bonfires as well and people gather together for a fun time.  The activity of the evening is letting the disk fly...

 The little girls happily stand on the side waiting their turn.  I think they have more fun talking with each other and watching the boys, although they will all take a few turns.  For the boys, this evening ranks right up there in the best days of the year.  Fire, sticks, buring disks - can it really get much better?

 
The How to.....
First you need the disks.  These are wooden squares with beveled edges and a hole in the center.

Then you need the sticks.  They must be of hazelwood.  Danny and Jason went up the  woods to cut their sticks, feeling quite on top of this cultural event.  They walked by a group of men who commented on their sticks.  Yes, D &J said, they knew it had to be hazel wood. On their return. sticks, in hand, they passed this same group of men who asked how many people were planning to shoot off the disks.  Confused, D & J remarked, "Well, two."  This was met with a huge burst of laughter.  Even more confused Danny asked and discovered that every person needs AT LEAST 4 sticks!  So much for their pride.

Then you put the disk on your stick and place it in the fire.  When it is nicely glowing it is ready.

While you wait for your turn at the ramp, you keep your sticks held high, waving them slightly to keep them glowing.

 

ANd then it is time to take aim, and fire.  The disk should hit the ramp at just the right angle.  When done right the disk flies off of the stick and goes soaring into the valley below.  This takes a fair amount of practice to get it right and it is so fun to see the older men teaching the young ones.  Every boy wants to hear the approving "whoa...gut!!" after his disk has been fired.

Jason has had a few years practice and can hold his own pretty good.  He got a few approving comments.