What is Trauliicht?

Trauliicht is a Luxembourgish tradition, particularly in the north of the country, which involves carving beets (or other suitable root vegetables) into scary or grimacing lanterns, into which a candle is placed. At nightfall, these lanterns are lit and placed around houses or in a procession, with the symbolic aim of “driving away evil spirits” at the onset of winter. In the past, these lanterns were placed at the entrance to barns to protect animals from “evil” (disease, spirits) during the cold months.

Why this celebration and when?

Trauliicht takes place in late October/early November, in connection with Allerhellegen (All Saints’ Day) and Allerséilen (All Souls’ Day). As the nights grow longer, the leaves fall, and winter approaches, this tradition brings light carried by children (and families) into the darkness.

What this means for children and families:

• For children, it can be a fun activity: digging up a beet, carving a face into it, placing a candle inside, lighting it, and walking in a small procession or displaying it at home.

• For families, it is a time for sharing and passing on a local tradition that is less commercialized than some imported holidays and connects the season (fall/winter) to the imagination.

It is also an opportunity to discuss the symbolism of the transition to winter, light in the night, and the bond between generations.

Here are a few suggestions to make this tradition a wonderful occasion for the family or school:

• Choose beetroot or root vegetable
• Traditionally, turnips or beets were used. Make sure the root is large enough to hollow out and carve.
• Wash the beet thoroughly, cut off the top, and hollow out the inside until there is enough thickness left to carve.
• Carve the face.
• Encourage children to let their imaginations run wild: eyes, mouth, funny or slightly scary shapes, depending on their age.
• Safety first: if a knife or tool is needed, make sure an adult is supervising.
• Insert the candle
• Place a small candle or LED light (for safety) inside the lantern.
• Walk or display at home
• You can organize a short walk at dusk with the lanterns lit.
• Alternatively, display the lanterns in front of the house, in the window, or at the entrance, and take the opportunity to talk about their meaning.

Other ideas

• Read the story behind this tradition with the children: why do we light lanterns? What do they represent?
• Hold a craft workshop: decorations, mini-contest for the most original lantern.
• Talk to the children about the changing seasons, the transition to winter, and natural phenomena (leaves, nightfall, animals).
• It’s a good idea to check for any local events: many nature centers (e.g., the Robbesscheier educational farm) offer Trauliicht workshops for families.

Le Trauliicht est une belle tradition luxembourgeoise qui permet de faire entrer la lumière dans la nuit automnale, de manière ludique et significationnelle pour les enfants. En tant que parent, c’est une occasion parfaite pour mêler activité manuelle, sortie familiale et transmission de patrimoine culturel.