A Vow in Oberammergau

Oberammergau is a tiny village in Bavaria which is best known for the Passion Play. The tradition of the Passion Play began with a vow made during the Thirty Years' War. While the Swedes were invading, Bavaria was hit by a devastating plague epidemic, which claimed more than 80 lives in Oberammergau. In 1633, the village leaders made a vow to God "to keep the Passion tragedy every ten years" if the village were freed of the plague. The epidemic came to a standstill, and in 1634 the people of Oberammergau fulfilled their vow for the first time. In 1680, the play was moved to every "full" ten years.

The village of Oberammergau is also known for its woodcarvers. We bought a beautiful nativity set in Oberammergau to remember our visit in 2010.