Flat days in the open-air museum: discover ancient craftsmanship!

Flat days in the open-air museum: discover ancient craftsmanship!

September is all about flax, a cultivated plant that has a long tradition in Lusatia. The Press release from Kulturkurier announces exciting events for the theme days in the Lehde Open Air Museum on September 17th and 18th, 2025, which revolve around the cultivation and processing of flax into linen. This is done as part of the “Old Knowledge Rediscovered” series, which deals with regional traditions. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the museum team will show interested visitors how flax is traditionally harvested and processed.

Particularly fascinating are the demonstrations of flax threshing, breaking the stalks, swinging, panting and spinning the threads on the spinning wheel, which not only give visitors insights into old craft techniques, but also into the cultural history of these plants. Flax was used not only for the production of linseed oil, but also for linen laundry, which played an important role in everyday life until the early 20th century.

A look into the past

The importance of flax goes back to ancient times; Egyptians and Romans already valued textiles made of linen. The Wikipedia on the linen industry highlights that the processing of flax has been known for 5,000 years. In the Middle Ages, linen production flourished, especially in regions such as Swabia and Silesia, and the Fuggers from Augsburg earned considerable wealth in the linen trade.

Today the main flax growing countries include Russia, Poland, the Czech Republic, France and Belgium. There are also efforts in Switzerland to revitalize the cultivation area for flax fiber. This shows that interest in this traditional plant has by no means died out.

Tastings and insights in the museum

In addition to the practical demonstration of flax processing, the open-air museum also highlights the culinary use of linseed oil and linseed. Between 1 and 4 p.m., guests have the opportunity to taste various products such as oil, cakes and linseed bread. This shows the versatility of flax, which goes far beyond textile production.

Registration for this event is not required, which ensures that everyone can take part without much preparation. All information about the events is online at Museum Explorer available. If you have any questions, the museum team is also available at the email address jenny-linke@osl-online.de.

The theme days at the Lehde Open Air Museum not only offer a look at the crafts of the past, but also a great opportunity to get to know the cultivated plant flax and the history associated with it. If you are interested in the traditions of the region or just want to spend a nice day outdoors, you shouldn't miss this event!