Customs and traditions in spring

On the last Sunday before Easter, Palm Sunday, palm consecrations take place everywhere in the Salzkammergut. The palm bushes consecrated in this region traditionally consist of nine different branches: catkins, red grape, thorn laurel, yew, oak, juniper, cedar, boxwood, holly and hazel. After the palm is consecrated, they are placed in the field or in the Herrgottswinkel to bring blessings.

The Easter celebrations finally begin on Maundy Thursday. The traditional washing of feet is carried out in the church and the bells fly to Rome. Their silence is an expression of mourning over the death of Jesus. Instead of ringing bells, therefore, the ratchets of the altar boys sounded. They often go from house to house with their ratchets and receive small pocket money or sweets there. This custom is particularly popular in Ebensee. Eating green dishes such as spinach is also a tradition around Maundy Thursday. The egg which is laid by the chickens on Maundy Thursday and is said to bring special blessings is also of particular importance.

The 14 Stations of the Cross are traditionally walked on Good Friday. This tradition is particularly popular in the Salzkammergut, which can also be seen in the numerous lavishly designed crossroads in the individual villages. Finally, at 3 p.m., the Good Friday liturgy follows in the churches.

The resurrection of Christ is celebrated on Holy Saturday. The bells come back from Rome with the ringing of glory and the baptismal water is consecrated. After the service, acolytes light the Easter fire. In the course of the year, holy logs burned in this fire protect house and yard from misfortune.

Finally, on Easter Sunday, the food blessing takes place everywhere in the Salzkammergut. The wicker baskets prepared for this contain smoked meat, Easter bread, yeast pastries, eggs, butter and, in the Innviertel, also freshly sprouted grain. Important: The blessed eggs must not be pecked and the blessed bread must be broken by hand and must not be cut. The baked Easter lamb is widespread in many localities and symbolizes overcoming suffering and life.

Traditionally, the extended family is visited on Easter Monday. The Easter Monday Skirt Day has a long tradition in Vorchdorf in the Gmunden district. The Sunday after Easter is also called Ahnlsonntag and belongs entirely to the grandparents in the Salzkammergut.