Scheibenschlagen

Scheibenschlagen (disk flinging) is a traditional event in Central Europe in which glowing wooden disks (10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 inches) are flung from a long hazelnut stick off a mountain side into the valley below.

On March 21, 1090, a building neighboring the Lorsch Abbey was accidentally set on fire by a disk which had been flung during the event.

[1] Nowadays, Scheibenschlagen is most popular in the Swabian-Alemannic areas, South Tyrol and Vorarlberg.

Depending on the region, these days have different names: Funkensonntag, Holepfannsunntag, Kassunnti (Käsesonntag), Küachlisunntig, Küechlesonntag Alti Fasnet.

Scheibenschlagen is usually organized by various local clubs, scouts, Funkenzünften (for example traditional Alemannic carnival groups) or the volunteer fire department.

In Danis (Swiss canton Graubünden) the custom is called trer schibettas (Rhaeto-Romanic for Scheibenschlagen).

Here the Scheibenschlagen is usually organized by a so-called Jungmannschaft (a group of young people, similar to scouts).

Whilst hitting the disk, the words "Oh tgei biala schibetta per la ... (name of a girl)" are said.

Afterwards the boys go home to the girls and are served food and drinks until the early morning hours.

Mals, Upper Vinschgau: Oh reim reim, wem weard eppar dia Scheib sein, dia Scheib und mei Kniascheib kearn dem Hanssmerl und der Seffa zur a guate Nocht, daß die Bettstatt krocht.

Schluderns, Upper Vinschgau: Oh reim reim reim fa weim weart dia Scheib sein, dia Scheib mei Kniascheib dia soll ... zu sein hotsas it guat tuatsas it guat sols miar und mein Scheibale nit fa ibel hobm, Schmolz in dr Pfonn, Korn in dr Wonn, Pflug untert Erd, schaug wia mein Scheibale ausigeat.

One reason for the drill hole is to be able to carry many disks on a cord or wire and above all to put them on the stick.