How Christmas is celebrated and celebrated in Austria. Austrian Christmas traditions
Rating: 7,9/10 (889 votes)   Christmas in Austria Christmas is one of the most important holidays in Austria. Local residents associate many customs with this holiday, for example, every native of this country will tell you that gifts for children are carried not by Santa Claus, but by the Christ child. Advent time American customs have reached Austria. Already in October, it seems that Christmas is just around the corner: no sooner had the Easter bunnies disappeared from the shelves, than Nikolaus already appeared. At the end of November, it is time to weave Advent wreaths from real spruce branches, which are usually decorated with candles and bows. On the first Sunday of the four of Advent, the first candle of four is lit on the wreath. Children receive calendars as gifts. With their help, little ones while away their days waiting for the baby Christ, opening a window in the calendar, behind which a chocolate bar is hidden. December 4 is the feast of St. Barbara. On this day, the people of Australia cut cherry branches and put them in vases of water. According to popular belief, if the cherry blossoms by Christmas, then wait for the wedding next year. Harbinger of the baby Christ In the evening of December 5, Saint Nicholas knocks on the door, who comes accompanied by Krampus. Kids recite poems to an elder with a staff, for which they receive gifts. And Krampus, who looks like a devil, with chains and a broom, comes to naughty children in order to punish the tomboys.  Krampus Often before and after 5 December, folk festivals are held with a procession of mummers - Perchten. Perchta can be kind, beautiful and evil. The bright holiday of Christmas Christmas begins to be celebrated on December 24, it is also called"Holy evening". What happens during the day, before the distribution of gifts begins? On December 24, the traditional action"Light into Dark" takes place, which began in 1973. As part of the action, donations are collected for socially vulnerable families and disabled people. At this time, most residents decorate a Christmas tree, most often a real one. Traditionally, the tree is decorated with candles, colorful balls, straw stars, sweets and sparklers. Children while away this time by the TV, or in the all-night church. Some tomboys peep through the keyhole at the work of the"baby Christ", as they believe that a beautiful Christmas tree is his work. When the"baby Christ" finishes decorating the tree, he notifies everyone with the sound of a bell. And here not only the Christmas tree shines, but also the eyes of the kids! In the process of distributing gifts, the most famous song"Silent Night, Holy Night" sounds. At this moment, a festive dinner: baked carp or turkey. After the distribution of gifts is over, it is customary to visit the church. Guests are welcome the next day.  AustriaWhen does Christmas end? Christmastide in Austria ends on January 6th on the feast of the “Holy Three kings". BEFORE the start of this holiday, young people change into costumes and go from house to house, writing in chalk on them. They write a blessing - C + M + B (Christus Mansionem Benedicat - Christ, bless this house), which should protect the family of this house from all evil spirits. Most of the inhabitants by this time had already got rid of the trees. There are a few that leave the Christmas trees until February 2 - the Day of Mary Lichtmess, the real end of Christmas time. However, even these persistent units have to say goodbye to Christmas by February, because this is the time for Easter bunnies! We also recommend reading New Year in Goa Topic: How Christmas is celebrated and celebrated in Austria. Austrian Christmas traditions. |
