History
In 1976, following a TV recording, the lost tradition of "Borelle" was resumed in Dranouter. The custom consisted of lighting a fire on the Waaienberg (a side hill of the Monteberg) and bringing it into the village. The last time the fire was lit in Dranouter was in 1905.
The fire was not only celebrated in the native village of Petrus Plancius. This old Germanic custom existed in several places. It was originally a celebration of fertility: fire and smoke drove out evil spirits and brought prosperity to crops, animals and people. There was dancing and singing around the fire. As soon as it was possible, the revelers began to jump over and through the flames. The cattle were also driven through the smoldering fire and they blackened each other's faces with the ashes.
The name Borelle is said to come from bralle. Bralle is a bundle of straw that was put on a perse (stick) and then set on fire. So had a torch. As the fire entered the village, a straw doll was set on fire at every corner of their journey.
Even today, many centuries after the Germans, we honor this tradition. Many years after the first "new" Borelle in 1976, the residents of Dranouter continue to celebrate this Spring Festival. There is still singing, laughing, dancing and drinking to drive away King Winter and welcome Spring!
Borelle, Borelle, choke it four in hell!
Article number: FBBDN289
