Socialising with the Austrians 73silverware to jewellery, and even money in a card or a savings
account voucher.
Funeral
When there is a death, an official
funeral announcement (Parte)
is delivered immediately to
family and friends before they
have time to find out from a
different source. It is usually on
black-bordered stationery and
gives details of the memorial
service. Once the announcement is received, one can
choose to go to either the church or cemetery service, or to
both. The standard practice is to meet the grieving family,
shake hands, and say ‘Mein Beileid’ (my condolences).
Then one would follow the mourners to the gravesite and
cast a scoop of dirt onto the coffin as it is being lowered
into the grave. Sometimes, three red roses may be cast
along with the dirt. Today, instead of bringing or sending
a special flower arrangement to the grieving family,
it is common to make a contribution to the favourite
charity of the deceased. This information is available on
the announcement.
UNIVERSITY STUDENT CUSTOMS
Austria has a number of traditional universities such as the
University of Vienna, founded in 1356, the University of
Salzburg and the University of Graz. It is also full of music
and fine arts universities, and many young musicians
dream of training here. For those who are going to Austria
as a student, there are certain marked differences between
studying in your home country and abroad. Not only are there
differences in the system, but in the students themselves
as well.
University education is quite cheap for Austrians (and
other EU nationals), costing about € 700 per year. Students
from outside the EU pay roughly twice that amount,
although citizens of some developing countries are exempt.
The Wake
There are also traditional wakes
after the burial where family
members and friends get together
at a relative’s home to mourn the
passing of a loved one. It is
customary to eat and drink at
this event.