Before Christmas Eve – How Christmas used to be, what’s left of it

On the days before the long-awaited feast, cookies are baked, a candle is lit on the Advent wreath every Sunday, and time is spent waiting for the Christ Child with punch and toasted almonds. But that wasn’t always the case. The pre-Christmas period used to be seen as Lent – nowadays we can hardly save ourselves from punch and biscuits, the latter are often sold in stores as early as August.

The birth of Jesus on December 24 is usually celebrated in Christian families in the Alpine Republic in a calm, contemplative and, above all, traditional way. Decorating the Christmas tree together, celebrating with family and relatives, going to church in the evening and singing Christmas carols when handing over the presents are essential for many people. But there are many more uses.

advent wreath
Originally the Advent wreath was equipped with 24 candles, nowadays there are only four. One is lit each Advent Sunday and music is often played or prayers are made together. In many families, there are three purple and one pink candle on the arrangement. The pink candle represents the 3rd Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete. The Advent wreath is often knotted with loved ones themselves. It symbolizes the victory of life over darkness. In previous years, the candles were lit on Saturday after sunset.

barbara branches
Formerly commonplace, nowadays often only in the countryside: bringing in the Barbara twigs. These are traditionally celebrated on December 4, the liturgical commemoration of St. Barbara, cut out and placed in a vase in the home. On Christmas Eve, the branches – of an apple or cherry tree – should bloom. It has to be like this bring good luck in the coming year. It is part of the custom for young girls to give each separate branch a suitor’s name. The branch that blooms first would be for the bridegroom-to-be – and thus for a wedding! – Clues.

christmas markets
They are an essential part of the pre-Christmas period: Christmas markets. In the past, however, the focus was less on mulled wine, punch and children’s carousels, and more on merchandise sold in these markets. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the Christmas markets gradually became what we know today.

cradle building
Nativity scenes are artistic representations of the birth of Jesus in a manger in a stable in Bethlehem. These are usually very ornate and designed with great attention to detail. The Austrians have therefore revived the construction of groynes in recent years. In meticulous detail work, Jesus child, ox and donkey are carved, stables are paneled, surrounding landscapes are designed and painted and finally set up at home. The cribs are often passed down to subsequent families and guarded like a treasure.

rough nights
Already forgotten by many, others look forward to these “mystical” nights long in advance. There are twelve, the four most famous are Thomas Night (December 21), Christmas Eve (December 24), New Year’s Eve (December 31) and Epiphany (January 5). On these nights, one should fumigate the house, garden, and stable (“go smoke”) to keep evil spirits away. In addition, no laundry may be washed or hung up on these days. A custom that is mainly practiced in Carinthia.

hostel search
In many congregations in Austria, it is customary to search for hostels during the Advent season. Usually a photo or a statue of the Virgin Mary is passed on to a family in the area. We sing and celebrate together.

Rorate scholarships
Rorate services are held in almost all Catholic churches, usually early in the morning when it is still dark outside. Masses are held in honor of the Blessed Mother Mary.

Christmas tree
For many people in Austria, Christmas is only when the Christmas tree is decorated with baubles, tinsel, sweets (formerly: apples, nuts and sweets), Christmas lights and candles can be admired. The gifts that are then given to each other are traditionally placed underneath. However, the Christmas tree is an old tradition – trees are said to have been decorated as early as the 15th century – but a pagan custom – which the Church has long rejected. It wasn’t until the middle of the 20th century that it found its way into households. Nowadays the trees are bought at their own Christmas tree sales outlets, in the past the spruces themselves were felled in the forest. Incidentally, some families prefer a spruce instead of a Nordmann spruce – which is usually “decorated” and thrown out on January 6.

ringing the bell
As soon as the Christ Child has done his job, the candles in the Christmas tree are shining beautifully and all the presents have been distributed, a bell rings to indicate to young and old that the presentation is coming.

gifts
Looking back at old Christmas customs and traditions, today’s modern times differ mainly in terms of gifts. Today, the packages often pile up under the Christmas trees, while in the past people were happy with little things that would no longer be worth mentioning today: A piece of chocolate, a few more cookies or a new doll often brought indescribable joy. Nowadays, the number and size of the presents often determines whether the children’s faces are sad or bright.

peace light
The peace light is intended to commemorate the birth of Jesus and the peaceful coexistence and goes back to an initiative from 1986. It is lit by a child in the cave of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and brought or distributed to more than 30 countries.

The Three Wise Men (singing song)
Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar – each representing the continents known at the time (Africa, Asia and Europe) or the ages of youth, man and old – have been singing carols since the 16th century. The abbreviation C+M+B, painted on doors and door frames for this festival, means “Christus mansionem benedicat – Christ bless this house”.

In addition to the traditions mentioned, there are a large number of other well-known customs in Austria, as well as traditions, parades and events that are only celebrated regionally and/or in other forms. Often not only out of nostalgia, but also out of superstition. However, customs are often passed down from generation to generation to avoid being forgotten.

Does your family have a very specific Christmas tradition? Tell us in the comments to the story!