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Red Baron was invited to a two-day birthday party in Obing, Bavaria. The
jubilarian turned 90 and celebrated the event together with his extended family
of over 60 people.
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©Oberwirt in Obing
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We stayed at the Oberwirt, enjoyed hospitable meals, and were invited to other
activities, including golf, bridge, swimming, and sightseeing.
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The hotel has a floating dock on the lake.
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Of all these activities, Red Baron joined a group that first visited the
neo-Gothic church in Rabenden and later the Seeon Benedictine monastery.
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The impressive neo-Gothic steeple of St. Jacobus (St. James)
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Already in Roman times, Rabenden was located on the vital traffic route
between Augsburg and Salzburg, as evidenced by a milestone dating from 229. It
is no wonder that salt was the main commodity transported here. This salt road
also served as a pilgrimage route to the tomb of St. James in Compostela, with
pilgrims using
St. Jacobus as a welcome stopover.
The interior of the church is dominated by its Gothic high altar and side
altars. The structures and figures, created around 1500, are attributed to the
"Master of Rabenden," about whom nothing is known.
A detailed view of the winged altar. St. James the Elder, in the center, is
recognized by his pilgrim's staff, shell, and hat. On the left, Simon the
Zealot, holding his traditional martyrdom symbol, a double-handed saw. Judas
Thaddaeus, on the right, referencing his martyrdom, features a large club.
The altar wings are painted with scenes from the Nativity cycle: the
Annunciation, the Nativity, the visit of the Magi, and the presentation of
Jesus in the Temple (Click on the image to enlarge).
A final view of St. James's impressive steeple.
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Seeon monastery complex in an old engraving
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Today's view (©Kloster Seeon)
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Embedded in the monastery wall is the weathered cartouche of Abbot Columban I
Freitlsperger (1653-1665). Archbishop Paris of Salzburg confirmed Columban,
who was prior in 1653, as abbot.
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Ascent to the monastery church St. Lambert
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St. Lambert is a Romanesque column basilica with roots dating back to the
11th/12th century.
Note: St. Lambert is one of Freiburg's patron saints, depicted here on a
stained glass window with the cross of St. George, another patron saint of the
city.
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A closer look at the crucifixion scene.
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On our way out, we saw six remaining carts lined up in a meadow of originally 50
of an art installation from 2000 called LAUDEMIUM, i.e., contributions. These
six remaining carts embody popular piety with their crucifixes, while the book
symbolizes the famous calligraphy of the early Seeon monastery; wine and fish
represent natural offerings, and the skull symbolizes the cycle of life and
death. The chickens, again, represent natural offerings. One cart, bearing the
date 1804, is empty, symbolizing Napoleon's secularization and thus the end of
all contributions to monasteries.
On the big evening of the festival, we enjoyed not only an excellent meal, but
also folkloric performances such as
Schuhplatteln.
Classical music was not neglected, as our host is blessed with an
exceptionally musical family.
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Back when the world was still in order
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A stagecoach run by the postal service stops at the Oberwirt relay station. In
the background, Obing's St. Laurentius Church points its neo-Gothic steeple
into the Bavarian white-blue sky.
On the last day, Red Baron visited the Church of St. Laurentius. I went
in front to disturb the sexton who was lighting the candles for the upcoming
mass.
He pointed out the statue and casually remarked, "Laurentius is the
patron saint of barbecue enthusiasts."
St. Laurentius shows his attribute, the iron grate on which he was roasted
alive, in many churches. Here are two examples:
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Stained glass window in Freiburg's
Minster (©mijoergens/Wikipedia)
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