Austria's rich heritage of folklore, colorful costume, good food and song is never more evident than at Christmas time. The country that gave the world "Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht" ("Silent Night, Holy Night"), also gave us Christmas traditions that are celebrated the world over. Like many of the alpine countries, Austria's customs are as varied as the numerous villages tucked into the crevices of its soaring mountains. Customs left over from pagan days include strangely costumed participants that frighten away evil spirits, the most famous being 'Black Peter' who is the counterpart to the benevolent St. Nicholas. Austrian children receive their Christmas gifts from the Christkind, or Christ Child, who comes bearing a Christmas tree on Dec 24th, accompanied by little angels sprinkling gold dust and a feather or two around the tree. The impact of seeing the candle-lit tree for the first time on the Eve of Christmas is something Austrian children never forget. St Nicholas comes on Dec. 6th to fill shoes with candy, apples, nuts or coal and switches. However, even the switches have colorful candy tied on to branches. While the red-suited American version of Santa Claus is permeating many cultures around the world, the Austrians fiercely protect their customs and age-old traditions. In more recent times, The Tyrolean Santa has become the Christkind's helper. The Tyrolean Santa wears a deep loden green suit, quilted inside for warmth, trimmed with decorative borders and hearts so popular in Austria. He wears a bright red hat, and on his back a toboggan is laden with Christmas treats. The pleated foil and paper angel is made by children to top the tree. Shiny glass balls of all sizes hang from chandeliers or in windows of Austrian homes, often embellished with dried berries and flowers. Packages are wrapped simply and tied with a gold string. Gingerbread is everywhere in Austria at Christmas time and in every shape and form. Gingerbread hearts are given to sweethearts and in Vienna, bakers proudly display gingerbread Lippizan horse and rider. Music and Austria are synonymous but never more so than at Christmas time. The hills really do come alive with music as pageants, concerts and carolers perform everywhere. The Tyrolean Santa carries a little wooden church, the church of St. Nicholas of Oberndorf where Joseph Mohr, on Christmas Eve in 1818 wrote "Silent Night." This song has touched hearts all over the world and it would not be Christmas without hearing its lovely simple melody.

Tyrolean Santa Pipka Santas Stories Of Christmas Ornaments Item # 11452
Retired 8/2/2005!

Austria's rich heritage of folklore, colorful costume, good food and song is never more evident than at Christmas time. The country that gave the world St
Price: $26.88