Enjoying the Culture 201was reported that its small Virgin Mary with Child statue could
perform miracles. Soon people started visiting the church to
ask for favours or to give a prayer of thanks, making it the most
important place of pilgrimage in Austria. Prayers are directed
at the Virgin and Child, who are now dressed in an elaborate
gown and encircled by a finely detailed silver lattice.
Festivals and Customs
The succession of festivals is a central part of Austrian life.
Many customs have their roots in pagan rituals, which
were guided by the cycle of seasons and the movement of
celestial bodies. It was believed that both friendly and evil
powers influenced the earth and its growth and fertility,
powers so strong that they also affected people. The rituals
served as a means of protection from things that people
could not understand. When the Catholic Church came to
gain converts, missionaries embellished these traditions with
Christian themes. Angels and devils and the concept of good
and evil took on a central role.
Epiphany
Epiphany on 6 January is a time to remember the
manifestation of Christ’s birth to the Magi. Catholic boys
dress up in Oriental dress to represent the three wise men,
Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. Led by a star bearer, they go
from house to house seeking donations, singing traditional
carols and swinging their incense carrier. On each house, they
chalk three crosses to banish evil spirits. The money raised
is used to fund church projects around the world.
The Glöckler of Ebensee in Upper Austria is celebrated on
the evening of 6 January, after evening prayers. In a tradition
that dates to the 16th century, a group of 20 men from
various villages of Ebensee runs to farms or homes within a
certain radius. They are dressed in white shirts and trousers,
and wear belts hung with cowbells. On their heads, they
wear gigantic Lichtkappen (lighted caps) of various shapes
decorated with ornaments and symbols. The caps weigh up
to 15 kg and are illuminated from within. The purpose of the
custom is to drive away the evil spirits of Ebensee.