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Weihnachten in Österreich

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Streets of Vienna

Christmas is undoubtedly the most important holiday in Austria.

Austrian Alps

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As in other European nations, December 6th is the day Saint Nicholas, the giver of gifts, makes his rounds.

Arrayed in a glittering Bishops robe and accompanied by his devilish assistant, Knecht Rupnecht, he can

occasionally be seen roaming the streets giving sweets and apples to good children while his companion playfully beckons "little sinners" to feel the string of his golden rod.

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Truly an old world Santa!

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On December 24th, when the city is frantic with last minute shoppers, the countryside is a refuge for quiet traditions. Farmers

chalk the initials of the Three Wise Men on the archway of the stable door; C for Caspar, M for Melchoir, and B for Balthazar, to protect the heard from sickness in the coming year. Christmas trees are lit on this day and in many villages "shelter-seekers"

plod through deep snow from farm to farm re-enacting the plight of Mary and Joseph as they sought shelter on the eve of Christ's

birth.

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In the snow-covered Alps, families descend from their mountain homes to the valley below, illuminating the night with torches held high to light their way in the darkness. Carolers gather in church towers and village

squares to guide the people to Christmas services with their

melodies. All shops, theaters and concert halls close their doors for this is an evening spent with only

with family.

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Following church services, families return home for their more intimate celebrating. First Christmas Eve dinner is served, often

with "Gebackener Karpfen" (fried carp) as the main course. Dessert may be chocolate and apricot cake called "Sachertorte" and

Austrian Christmas cookies called "Weihnachtsbaeckerei" (yes, this is the actual spelling).

Gebackener Karpfen

Weihnachtsbaecker

ei

Sachertorte

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After the meal, the ringing of a bell signals the opening of a door long locked against the

anxious eyes of the little ones. For the first time the children are permitted to witness the

Christmas tree glistening with lights and colored ornaments,

gold and silver garlands, candies and cookies. Beneath the tree is usually arranged an

elaborate manger scene. Almost every family owns

hand- carved manger figures handed down from generation

to generation.

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Father opens the Bible and reads of the "Kristkindl," Christ Child. Then all sing

traditional Christmas carols such as "Silent Night" and "O'Tannenbaum." After this the

presents are distributed and opened.

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In Austria, there is no Santa Claus. Children are taught that their presents have been brought by the "Kristkindl," a golden-haired baby with wings, who symbolizes the new born Christ. The story tells how the Christ child comes down from heaven on Christmas Eve and, with his band of angels, decorates and distributes trees

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Advent wreaths are made of various types of Christmas greenery used with a combination of other decorations. The

wreath is then suspended by ribbon on a decorative, colorful stand. Four candles,

representing the four Sundays before Christmas, ar attached to the wreath. The first candle only is lit on the first Sunday,

the second candle is lit on the second Sunday, and so on; all four candles are lit

on Christmas day.

Advent Wreaths

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Christmas Market in Vienna

Purchasing tree ornaments can be so

much fun. Look at the selection!

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Rathaus in Vienna at Christmas

time!

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Salzburg at Christmas