Autumn harvest in the historic church Sargenzell: A lush spread of colorful fruit arrangements.
The 37th Fruchteteppich at Alte Kirche Sargenzell: A Celebration of Trust and Community
The 37th Fruchteteppich, a vibrant and intricate artwork made from natural materials, is currently being created at the Alte Kirche Sargenzell. This annual tradition, which dates back several decades, sees local volunteers and artists collaborate to produce ephemeral artworks that adorn the historic site's floor.
This year's Fruchteteppich is inspired by the biblical story of Jesus rebuking the wind and commanding the sea to be still, symbolising the theme of trust. Heike Richter, the artistic director, was inspired by a painting by Rembrandt and contemporary artist Sam Ryan when painting the template for the Fruchteteppich.
Four women are involved in cleaning and sorting the grains that may be needed or were used in last year's carpet. These women, along with seven others, meet every evening at 5:30 PM and work until around 8 PM on the Fruchteteppich. The work has been ongoing since mid-June, taking place on the floor.
The design for this year's Fruchteteppich depicts a threatening sky, a boat with frightened people on stormy seas, and Jesus calming the sea with an outstretched hand. The design is a dramatic and emotional image that reflects the theme of trust.
The latest information about the Fruchteteppich and all other activities around the Alte Kirche in Sargenzell can be found on the homepage at www.fruechteteppich.de. Groups and tour companies can register by calling Tel. 06652/180195.
The 37th Fruchteteppich is being presented by the "Alte Kirche Sargenzell" Support Association this year. The proceeds from the raffle and donations are used for maintaining the building, covering costs, and supporting non-profit, social, cultural, and charitable projects.
The Fruchteteppich is more than just a decorative piece; it’s a symbolic act that honors cycles of life, faith, and community solidarity. The artwork, which will be open daily from Saturday, September 6, 2025, to Sunday, November 9, 2025, invites visitors to contemplate and connect with the past through its meticulously arranged natural materials.
Volunteer helpers will be present to explain the image and its meaning and answer questions. Several new materials are being used in this year's Fruchteteppich, including cloves, phacelia (grass), and beech leaves. The exhibition will be a sight to behold, showcasing the beauty and intricacy of the Fruchteteppich.
In addition to the Fruchteteppich, the Alte Kirche in Sargenzell is also used for other cultural purposes, such as exhibitions and theater performances. By creating and displaying the 37th Fruchteteppich, the community at Alte Kirche Sargenzell continues a cherished artistic and cultural legacy, blending artistic creativity with meaningful storytelling through natural materials.
Creating the Fruchteteppich each year, despite its connection to a church setting, also extends to home-and-garden activities, as community members gather daily to clean, sort, and work with various grains, working on the design for several weeks until August. The 37th Fruchteteppich, with its intricate and emotional depiction of a stormy sea, mirrors elements of the natural world and embodies a lifestyle that cherishes communal effort and the beauty derived from organic materials.
