On a sunny spring day in 2012, I came across this sculpture in Ehrenhausen. At first view, it looked like public art portraying something fictitious. But this is wrong. It stands for a real sport with official championships: Finger pulling.
Category: Traditions
Easter Well in Wolfegg
Decorated Easter Wells (Osterbrunnen) are a German tradition dating back to the early 20th century. The first examples developed in Franconian Switzerland (Fränkische Schweiz). In the meantime, more and more Easter Wells and Fountains have arisen in other parts of Germany.
Painted apiary in Olimje
In the areas of Slovenian Styria (Slovenska Štajerska), Carniola (Kranjska)and the Austrian state of Carinthia (Kärnten) one can find these traditionally painted bee boards (Panjske končnice). With the help of these paintings, beekeepers were able to find the right hive.
Krampus procession in Gnigl
The Krampus procession (Krampuslauf) is a tradition generally performed on a certain day from the beginning of the advent season up to the first half of January. People organised in groups named Pass run in costumes created by themselves through the streets and try to frighten the spectators.
Moravian Star in Quedlinburg
On my walk through Quedlinburg, I came across this Moravian Star. Generally, it is an Advent decoration popular in Germany and other places where there are Moravian congregations. The German name Herrnhuter Stern refers to the city of Herrnhut. There the stars were first commercially produced.
Hoch- und Deutschmeister band in Vienna
On certain days one can watch the Hoch- und Deutschmeister band in Vienna playing in their traditional uniforms of before 1918. This military band has its origins in the k.u.k. Lower Austrian Infantry Regiment Hoch- und Deutschmeister No. 4. [German]
Blaudruckerei Koó in Steinberg-Dörfl
The Blaudruckerei Koó, established in 1921, is one of the last businesses in Europe using the traditional technique of Indigo hand block printing. Visitors of this company in a small place in Burgenland will learn about the machines, materials and pattern used in this technique.
Kunsttischlerei Potzmann in Litzelsdorf
At the Kunsttischlerei (cabinet maker) Potzmann I got in touch with Mr. Franz Potzmann who is not only a restorer for furniture but also offers lessons in restoring furniture yourself. After a small interview in the garden of his house, where also his lessons take place on sunny days, I had the chance to polish a small box myself.
Maypole in Schorndorf
A maypole at the market place of Schorndorf. The signs placed at the maypole represents different industries working in the city. Are there similar maypoles in your region?
Perchtenlauf in Judenburg
The Perchtenlauf (Procession of Perchten) in Judenburg was the first Perchtenlauf I have ever watched. I was impressed with how scary the masks looked. Though I don’t think that a Perchtenlauf in the mid of November is really traditional I like the idea of this event and recommend watching such a procession if you get the chance anywhere in the Alpine region.
Working with a Ölkuh in Styria
Me and the ‘Ölkuh’. By pounding a wedge into this traditional tool the pumpkin seeds stored in the two plates of bright wood get pressed and delicious pumpkin seed oil drops into the bowl below.
Ölkuh in Styria
On my tour through Styria I came across a tool named ‘Ölkuh’ (literally translated: Oil cow). This is a traditional tool to produce pumpkin seed oil in my home region Styria. Have a look how to use such a ‘Ölkuh’.