Folklorist tells

Forgotten myths and customs around Christmas

The church once initiated St. Nicholas plays such as the one in Reith im Alpbachtal, but then everything got out of hand.

(Bild: Birbaumer Christof/Christof Birbaumer)

Who still knows the custom of "putting in straw" or "weighing the Christ Child"? Who knows about the origins of the Perchten and the scary message of some of the Christmas carols? Folklorist Karl C. Berger on ancient customs around Christmas. 

Every year, we cultivate numerous traditions around Christmas. They are sacred to us. Like the setting up of nativity scenes. Many churches, clubs and museums put on fantastic nativity scene exhibitions. The Tyrolean Folk Art Museum in Innsbruck also displays unique examples from the Alpine region during the Advent season. The nativity scene tradition is upheld in many places. However, other Christmas customs have fallen into oblivion in many areas.