Rindschleiden, well said to be created by Saint Willibrord's staff;
Credit: Chronicle.lu
Despite its compact size, Luxembourg has its fair share of fables, folktales, myths and legends, from a mermaid and a wild woman to a wolfman and an underwater bogeyman.
In this series of articles, Chronicle.lu will be delving into some of these tales and their lasting impact in Luxembourg.
Next up is a myth concerning Saint Willibrord.
Several legends centre around the historical figure of Saint Willibrord, the patron saint of Luxembourg. The Anglo-Saxon missionary founded the Abbey of Echternach in the 700s; he was later buried there. Today, thousands of visitors continue to visit Echternach for the famous hopping procession (“Sprangpressessioun”), a UNESCO-recognised tradition held each year on Whit Tuesday.
Willibrord is also the patron saint of the 10th-century church in Rindschleiden, Luxembourg’s smallest village. He is said to have created springs nearby. A baptismal font carved from stone was restored in recent years. Every year on Whit Sunday, local parish priests hold an open-air service here.
Further north, near Wilwerwiltz, a well is named after Saint Willibrord. According to local legend, he hit the ground with his staff on this spot and the well emerged. The village church is also dedicated to him.
