212 CultureShock! Austria
Jesus. Children write letters to him at the beginning of Advent
(four weeks earlier), asking him for things they would like.
The letters are left on the windowsill.
Christkindl in Lower Austria is an actual town made famous
by its name. Children also send their Christmas wish lists
there, and many people go to this town especially to have
their Christmas letters postmarked with its name.Silvester (New Year’s Eve)
Silvester is a huge celebration in the provincial capitals.
Many Austrians prefer to stay home and celebrate the
night in a more relaxed way. They have their own fireworks
display, eat decorated sandwiches (always open-faced) and
drink Sekt (sparkling wine). They also pass good luck to
each other through the exchange of marzipan, ceramic
and cloth pigs, chimneysweeps and four-leaf clovers. To
foresee what luck the year will bring, many buy lead pieces
especially made for New Year’s. A piece of lead is put on a
spoon, melted over a candle, then quickly plunged into cool
water. Whatever form the lead takes reveals the character
of the coming year.Public Holidays
New Year’s Day (1 January)
Epiphany (6 January)
Easter Monday
Labour Day (1 May)
Ascension Thursday
Whitmonday
Corpus Christi
Assumption (15 August)
National Day (26 October)
All Saint’s Day (1 November)
Immaculate Conception (8 December)
Christmas (25 December)
Saint Stephen’s Day (26 December)