146 CultureShock! Austria
in the 4th century, he was a humble man who became a
monk. According to legend, when he found out that he was
to be named bishop, he hid to avoid taking the position. A
honking goose gave him away, and now the bird is sacrificed
in honour of Saint Martin.
The goose is served with red cabbage (which helps with
digestion), dumplings and a hearty red wine or a full-bodied
beer. If you are invited to someone’s house at this time,
expect Martinigansl to be served. This special meal is also
available in many restaurants.Game
Austrians have always enjoyed hunting, as evidenced by the decor
of many eating establishments. During hunting season in autumn,
wild game is often found on menus. You can choose from Hirsch
(venison), Ente (duck), Fasan (pheasant), Hase (hare), Kaninchen
(rabbit) and Wildschwein or Eber (wild boar). If you would like to
prepare some at home, wild game can be bought at stands in the
Naschmarkt and the Landstrasser Markt.Christmas
Traditionally, Austrians eat carp on Christmas Eve. These fish
can live to a ripe old age, and it was once believed that if
you ate carp, you could also live a long life. Some Austrians
have broken away from this tradition and prefer to eat goose,
chicken or turkey for Christmas.
Like Easter, most of the special treats served at Christmas
are sweet. Stollen (sweet bread) and Kletzenbrot (Christmas
fruit bread) proliferate. There are several varieties of Christmas
cookies. Some of the better-known are Husarenkrapferl
(Husar Rounds), cookies flavoured with almonds and a dab
of apricot jam in the centre; Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescents);
Kokosbusserl (coconut kisses); Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars);
and Ischler Nussbusserln (nut kisses). Lebkuchen, spice cookies
flavoured with cinnamon, cloves and honey, are also a
favourite. These cookies date back to the Middle Ages when
sugar was difficult to come by. The Christkindl markets are
also full of tempting sweets such as Negerküsse (chocolate-