Thomas Groener, pastor from Oberammergau, presents the so called "Book of Death" from the bubonic plague in the 17th century, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Oberammergau, Germany, April 9, 2020. REUTERS/Andreas Gebert
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The small Bavarian town of Oberammergau has yet to record any cases of the new coronavirus, and its pastor believes a 17th century promise could be the reason why.
In 1633, at the height of the bubonic plague, residents of the little alpine town prayed that they would be spared and vowed that in return, they would perform a passion play every 10 years depicting the last weeks of Christ's life, his crucifixion and resurrection.
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