Weihnachten in

1
Weihnachten in Österreich
2
Streets of Vienna

• Christmas is undoubtedly the most important
  holiday in Austria.

Austrian Alps
3

• As in other European nations, December 6th is the
  day Saint Nicholas, the giver of gifts, makes his
  rounds. Arrayed in a glittering Bishops robe and
  accompanied by his devilish assistant, Knecht
  Rupnecht, he can occasionally be seen roaming the
  streets giving sweets and apples to good children
  while his companion playfully beckons "little
  sinners" to feel the string of his golden rod.

4
Truly an old world Santa!
5

• On December 24th, when the city is frantic with
  last minute shoppers, the countryside is a refuge
  for quiet traditions. Farmers chalk the initials
  of the Three Wise Men on the archway of the
  stable door C for Caspar, M for Melchoir, and B
  for Balthazar, to protect the heard from sickness
  in the coming year. Christmas trees are lit on
  this day and in many villages "shelter-seekers"
  plod through deep snow from farm to farm
  re-enacting the plight of Mary and Joseph as they
  sought shelter on the eve of Christ's birth.

6

• In the snow-covered Alps, families descend from
  their mountain homes to the valley below,
  illuminating the night with torches held high to
  light their way in the darkness. Carolers gather
  in church towers and village squares to guide the
  people to Christmas services with their melodies.
  All shops, theaters and concert halls close their
  doors for this is an evening spent with only with
  family.

7

• Following church services, families return home
  for their more intimate celebrating. First
  Christmas Eve dinner is served, often with
  "Gebackener Karpfen" (fried carp) as the main
  course. Dessert may be chocolate and apricot cake
  called "Sachertorte" and Austrian Christmas
  cookies called "Weihnachtsbaeckerei" (yes, this
  is the actual spelling).

Sachertorte
Gebackener Karpfen
Weihnachtsbaeckerei
8
(No Transcript)
9

• After the meal, the ringing of a bell signals the
  opening of a door long locked against the anxious
  eyes of the little ones. For the first time the
  children are permitted to witness the Christmas
  tree glistening with lights and colored
  ornaments, gold and silver garlands, candies and
  cookies. Beneath the tree is usually arranged an
  elaborate manger scene. Almost every family owns
  hand- carved manger figures handed down from
  generation to generation.

10

• Father opens the Bible and reads of the
  "Kristkindl," Christ Child. Then all sing
  traditional Christmas carols such as "Silent
  Night" and "O'Tannenbaum." After this the
  presents are distributed and opened.

11

• In Austria, there is no Santa Claus. Children are
  taught that their presents have been brought by
  the "Kristkindl," a golden-haired baby with
  wings, who symbolizes the new born Christ. The
  story tells how the Christ child comes down from
  heaven on Christmas Eve and, with his band of
  angels, decorates and distributes trees

12
(No Transcript)
13
Advent Wreaths

• Advent wreaths are made of various types of
  Christmas greenery used with a combination of
  other decorations. The wreath is then suspended
  by ribbon on a decorative, colorful stand. Four
  candles, representing the four Sundays before
  Christmas, ar attached to the wreath. The first
  candle only is lit on the first Sunday, the
  second candle is lit on the second Sunday, and so
  on all four candles are lit on Christmas day.

14
Christmas Market in Vienna

• Purchasing tree ornaments can be so much fun.
  Look at the selection!

15
(No Transcript)
16
Rathaus in Vienna at Christmas time!
17
Salzburg at Christmas