Nationwide Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Salt Panners’ Fraternity in the Valley of Halle
The salt-panners’ fraternity in the valley of Halle can look back on a tradition of salt boiling that is more than 1,000 years old. Since 1491 the salt panners have verifiably been organised in their own fraternity, the members of which are known as “Halloren”.
Facts & figures
Crucial date: all season
Inscription: 2014
Domains: social practices, rituals and festive events; traditional craftsmanship;
Where to find: Halle/Saale (Saxony-Anhalt)
Contact
Salzwirkerbrüderschaft im Thale zu Halle, Geschäftsstelle
Sten Michelson (Head of Organisation)
@email
www.halloren.com
Initially a religiously orientated union, the fraternity soon developed into a social labour and living community. The history and founding of the City of Halle/Saale in the State of Saxony-Anhalt is closely tied to the Halloren, as they owed their prosperity to the brine springs and salt deposits to be found in the settlement area.
The Halloren define the population’s sense of identity to this day. Salt boiling as their former source of income remains to this day the basis for the life of the fraternity. Inhabitants and guests are able to acquaint themselves with the traditional boiling techniques according to the panning process at regular demonstrations. Family cohesion and a good relationship between old and young still enjoy high standing in the fraternity. Today the fraternity is composed of members from all classes of the population, who are united by their awareness of their historical heritage and the desire to preserve a unique tradition.
