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WELCOME
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hilst some have fallen into oblivion, most traditions are
still proudly maintained. These days, most people don’t
know their background or how they have evolved. This lack
of knowledge can be explained with the people’s fear of superstition,
back in a time, when it was a natural part of everyday life and when
there were serious consequences for not following certain customs. So
people preferred to forget about them. This has led to the creation of
myths and it is exciting and insightful, once you discover how much
these old beliefs have shaped our modern life.
When the snake was still part of the Christmas tree
The first Christmas tree in Tyrol can be traced back to the year 1841.
Certain people had the privilege to admire it in the Imperial Palace –
which at that time was not open to public. It was only in 1853, when the
population could experience the joy of a Christmas tree, set up in one of
the magnificent halls. Back then, the tree did not have much similari-
ty with today’s beautifully decorated Christmas tree. This doesn’t mean
that people weren’t amazed by it – on the contrary, it was a novelty. It
took a while though, until the use of a Christmas tree became a tradi-
tion, at least here in Austria.
The first record of a Christmas tree dates back to the year 1527. It
was set up in the market community Stockstadt am Main. Elsass, how-
ever, is known as the official birthplace of the Christmas tree. In this re-
PERCHTENLAUF INNSBRUCK
IN DER MARIA-THERESIEN-STRASSE
Mi. 7. 12. 2016 um 18.00 Uhr
Mühsam kämpfen sich die mystischen Gestalten mit ihren schwe-
ren Kostümen vorwärts. Doch Trommelschläge, Bockshornklänge
und der Tanz der „Hexe“ treiben sie unerbittlich an. Ein unvergessli-
ches Highlight mit der Weilerpass Kirchbichl.
PERCHTEN RUN INNSBRUCK
IN THE MARIA THERESIEN STREET
Wed 07/12/16 at 6 pm
Watch these mystical creatures performing their witches’
dance in scary costumes and with bells and other loud
instruments. An unforgettable spectacle for the visitor by
the Weilerpass – Kirchbichl.
gion, starting from 1561, the local forest order allowed citizens to “fall
an eight shoe high pine”.
Another interesting story is how the decorations came into play: In
the Middle Ages, many churches held so-called paradise games on De-
cember 24. Today, Austrians celebrate Christmas on this day, however,
in the past, December 24 was considered the liturgical day of memorial
for Adam and Eve.
On this special day, it was common to decorate a tree with apples.
This tree didn’t necessarily have to be a pine, whereas the apple was an
important symbol as it should remind people of the sin, the banishment
from paradise and the liberation of humanity from the original sin.
Until well into the 19th century, people in the north of Germany would
decorate their tree with figures of Adam and Eve and a snake.
“This tree had to be especially attractive and this is the reason why
these Adam trees were decorated with shiny apples, dates and gin-
gerbread not only for a splendid appearance but also to be eaten af-
Die zentralen Gestalten der Rumer Muller stellen die vier Jahreszeiten dar,
welche sich im Aussehen und den Bewegungen wesentlich unterscheiden.
Tipp: Am 4.2.2017 tragen die Rumer Muller wieder die Meisterschaft im
Goaßl- und Peitschenschnöllen aus. Infos unter
www.rumer-muller.at//
The central figures of the “Rumer Muller” represent the four seasons
and differ significantly in looks and movement. Tip: On February 4,
the Rumer Muller carry out their yearly championship in whipcracking.
For more information visit
www.rumer-muller.atMit Blumen geschmückt und in bunte Kleider gehüllt –
das ist der Brauch des „Schiane-Giahns“. //
Decorated with flowers and wrapped up in colourful
clothes – the custom of the “Schiane-Giahns”