DistantNews
Support us
Burger Jugend kürt Erntekönig: Mit dem Hahnkopf in der Hand
🇩🇪 Germany /Culture & Society

Burger Jugend kürt Erntekönig: Mit dem Hahnkopf in der Hand

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • The traditional Sorbian and Wendish "Hahnrupfen" (rooster pulling) festival took place for the 133rd time in Burg, Germany.
  • In this custom, riders on horseback attempt to pull the head off a dead rooster suspended from an archway.
  • 18-year-old Max Lehmann was crowned "Erntekonig" (Harvest King) after successfully pulling the rooster's head.

Burg, Germany, celebrated its 133rd annual "Hahnrupfen" festival, a traditional Sorbian and Wendish custom. The event involves horse riders competing to pull the head off a dead rooster, which is suspended upside down from an archway adorned with oak leaves.

The winner of the competition is declared the "Erntekonig," or Harvest King. Riders who manage to grasp the rooster's wings are recognized as the second and third Harvest Kings. This year, 18-year-old apprentice butcher Max Lehmann claimed the title of Harvest King. He rode his horse, Erwin, and successfully seized the rooster's head.

Lehmann's family has a history of participating in the festival, with his father also having competed in the "Hahnrupfen." The competition in Burg is one of several similar local events. A more regional winner is crowned at the "Superkokot" competition, scheduled for the end of September.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog