Traditions in Austria; Part 1
Feb. 21st, 2011 12:17 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
frau_germania"Austrians have developed a strong sense for celebrations, rituals and symbolism. This is reflected in the many holidays and festivals that are held in an annual cycle. Don′t be afraid to join the crowds - like almost anything in Austria, most traditional customs (with the exception of purely religious actions) actively endorse tourism and welcome international visitors!
Outside of Vienna, Austria is a fairly rural place with traditionally small communities that were often resistant against cultural change. Therefore, many ancient traditions and customs have survived. Some of these are said to date back to Celtic or Roman times, others were introduced by Bavarian and Slavic people. Once Austria was Christian the church implemented old customs into its own mythology and thereby ensured the tradition and preservation of them. What many people today perceive as a festival of a saint might actually be derived from a worshipping ritual of a pagan goddess.
The new year in Austria begins with the so-called "Neujahrsschießen" (New Year′s Salute). Squads of historical rifle associations (well, at least referring to historical associations with their uniforms) gather in traditional costumes in many cities all over the country. They line up in rows and shoot, often with massive, 17th-century style guns. If you are willing to get up on the first of January, this is worth watching."
http://www.stadtgespraech.tv/video/109/Neujahrsschießen Hubenloch 2010
February is dominated by the peak of the ball season in Austria. The "national" ball, sometimes called the "Ball der Republik" (ball of the republic") is the famous Wiener Opernball (Vienna Opera Ball). This is a great opportunity for Austria's rich, famous and wannabes to dress up and have a good time. The president, chancellor and most of the government normally waltz at the ball and there is a great deal of media attention from around the World dedicated to the opera that night."
(This video makes me laugh though; the announcer looks like the illegitimate lovechild between Barbra Walters and some Disney villain in that horrible dress)
Outside of Vienna, Austria is a fairly rural place with traditionally small communities that were often resistant against cultural change. Therefore, many ancient traditions and customs have survived. Some of these are said to date back to Celtic or Roman times, others were introduced by Bavarian and Slavic people. Once Austria was Christian the church implemented old customs into its own mythology and thereby ensured the tradition and preservation of them. What many people today perceive as a festival of a saint might actually be derived from a worshipping ritual of a pagan goddess.
The new year in Austria begins with the so-called "Neujahrsschießen" (New Year′s Salute). Squads of historical rifle associations (well, at least referring to historical associations with their uniforms) gather in traditional costumes in many cities all over the country. They line up in rows and shoot, often with massive, 17th-century style guns. If you are willing to get up on the first of January, this is worth watching."
http://www.stadtgespraech.tv/video/109/Neujahrsschießen Hubenloch 2010
February is dominated by the peak of the ball season in Austria. The "national" ball, sometimes called the "Ball der Republik" (ball of the republic") is the famous Wiener Opernball (Vienna Opera Ball). This is a great opportunity for Austria's rich, famous and wannabes to dress up and have a good time. The president, chancellor and most of the government normally waltz at the ball and there is a great deal of media attention from around the World dedicated to the opera that night."
(This video makes me laugh though; the announcer looks like the illegitimate lovechild between Barbra Walters and some Disney villain in that horrible dress)