Christmas and Advent customs

Punctually on the Friday evening before the first Advent, we tie our own large Advent wreath (approx. 1 meter in diameter), which is traditionally hung above the kitchen table; all guests are invited to make their own Advent wreath under supervision. Of course, homemade cookies and Kletzenbrot (fruit bread) should not be missing during the Advent season, if you are interested, everyone is invited to participate!

Especially on the rough nights of Advent, the “Kramperl”, the Krampuses, are up to mischief in the Alpine region; in many places there are various Krampus fairgrounds. The ashes that are smeared on one’s face and the whipping of the rod by the Krampuses are said to bring good luck, but unfortunately they are all too often a bit painful. After the New Year, the Krampuses turn into Perchten, which no longer hit painfully and are traditionally supposed to drive out the winter. The witch and the Habergoass (legendary goat figure) should not be missing from the Krampus.

Apart from the “Schiachperchten” (=Krampusse) there are only in the Pinzgau the “Schönperchten”, these are the “Tresterer”, who go from farm to farm on smoke nights and wish them luck and blessings and perform their traditional tap dance. Also part of the game is the “Hühnerpercht”, who drops a raw chicken egg at the beginning, which the farmer’s wife has to wipe away immediately, which is supposed to bring a lot of blessings. The Tresterer only appear publicly on 6.1. at the market place of Zell am See.

• The “Anglöckeln” is also a nice custom, organized by the local rural youth: Here, Maria and Josef’s search for a hostel is reenacted with many songs. The group moves from house to house during the rough nights.
  
• 24.12./”Bachetag”: This is a fast day, at noon the traditional “Bachekoch” (milk/flour flax with hot honey) is eaten, and all knives are sharpened, because the “Bache Schneid” lasts all year round! Only in the evening is the special Christmas bratwurst (raw pork sausage) made especially for Christmas…
  
• Rough nights on Christmas Eve, on New Year’s Eve and on St. Three Kings: The peasants drive out evil spirits with incense and holy water and bring blessings to the whole house and yard. Every room in the castle and stable is smoked here…