New Year customs

Abersee’s Glöckler crowd wakes up spring

White figures who bring the light: Bell ringers march in rank and file.

(Bild: Scharinger Daniel)

At Lake Wolfgangsee, white figures once again shouldered their caps. According to tradition, the Glöckler drive away the dark forces of winter. A magical atmosphere is conjured up with candlelight. 

Siegmund Mayrhauser leads the long procession as the forerunner: Then follow the 37 elaborate structures - from the star to other jagged motifs, the year and striking symbols for the region such as the locomotive, sailing ship or alpine hut and this year's newly built edelweiss. The bearers, all single boys, are dressed in white.

Glöckler trio: coat of arms, church, star and moon are shouldered.

(Bild: Scharinger Daniel)

Caps made of tissue paper do not tolerate moisture
The Glöckler's caps are covered with tissue paper. They are lovingly repaired every year. "That's why we're quite susceptible to the weather," said Mayrhauser and his bell ringers, looking up at the sky with concern. The onset of winter almost put a spanner in the works for the run on Friday - it always takes place on 3 and 4 January. Fortunately, it stayed dry.

In the filigree frames of the caps, the glow of real candles conjures up a magical atmosphere. They are always lit with great care. And the lads have to prove their muscle strength. With a load of up to 14 kilos on their shoulders, the walk from house to house is a real strain on the legs.

There are 43 active members of the Aberseer Glöckler. The group has no worries about recruiting new members. It is an honorable task to awaken the spirits of spring at Lake Wolfgangsee and drive away the darkness.