Easter time around Wolfgangsee
Time-honoured traditions and customs create a very special atmosphere at Easter time on Lake Wolfgangsee. Find out how the Easter week is celebrated here in Austria below...
Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday we remember Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem when, in acknowledgement of his Kingship, the people cheered and scattered palm leaves before him. All the villages on Lake Wolfgangsee have Palm Sunday processions, where home-made “Palmbuschen” are blessed. This is an old tradition where one end of a hazel stick has a small bunch of twigs tied onto it. These bunches are made up of twigs from : Box - Cedar - Catkin - Ivy - Holly - White cedar and Juniper.
The "Palmbusch" - a time-honoured tradition
These Palm Sunday “Palmbuschen” (bunches of twigs) are decorated with apples and colourful ribbons. As they wait for the blessing of the palm bunches, everyone gathers in front of the church and the youngsters jealously check to see who has the tallest branch! After church, people go to local guesthouses for the traditional “Palm Sunday meal of sausages”. In earlier times, by the way, this was just for the men and the boys!
Palm Sunday
It commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem and, as a sign of his kingship, the people cheer him and scatter palm branches. Palm processions take place in all towns around Lake Wolfgangsee and the palm bushes brought along are consecrated. These are tied according to old tradition. A hazelnut stick is used and decorated with a small bush made of: boxwood - palm catkins - aspen branches - holly - blessing tree - juniper
The Ratscherbuben
On Good Friday and Holy Saturday, the Ratscherbuben make their grand entrance. They take over the ringing of the bell by reminding people of the times of prayer and church services with their ratchets. They also go from house to house and remind people of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. They are rewarded with sweets, eggs and money.
Easter Sunday
On Easter Sunday, food is blessed during the church services. Blessed food (meat, bread, eggs, etc.) is then eaten with the family. And of course the Easter bunny comes to visit the children!
