Customs & Traditions in Spring

On Palm Sunday, the last Sunday before Easter, palm blessings take place throughout the Salzkammergut region. The blessed palm branches in this region traditionally consist of nine different types of branches: pussy willow, red yew, black laurel, yew, oak, juniper, cedar, boxwood, holly, and hazel. After the blessing, they are placed in the fields or in the home's prayer corner to bring blessings.

The Easter celebrations finally begin on Maundy Thursday. In church, the traditional washing of the feet takes place, and the church bells are symbolically sent to Rome. Their silence is an expression of mourning for the death of Jesus. Instead of bells, the altar servers' rattles are used. These young men often go from house to house with their rattles, receiving a small amount of pocket money or sweets. This custom is particularly popular in Ebensee. Eating green foods like spinach is also part of the traditions surrounding Maundy Thursday. The "Antlaßei" egg, laid by hens on Maundy Thursday, is also of special significance and is believed to bring a special blessing.

On Good Friday, the 14 Stations of the Cross are traditionally walked. This tradition is particularly popular in the Salzkammergut region, as evidenced by the numerous elaborately designed Stations of the Cross in the individual villages. The Good Friday liturgy then follows in the churches at 3 p.m.

On Holy Saturday, the Resurrection of Christ is celebrated. The bells return from Rome with the ringing of the Gloria, and the baptismal water is consecrated. After the service, altar servers light the Easter fire. The consecrated logs burned in this fire are believed to protect home and property from misfortune throughout the rest of the year.

On Easter Sunday, the blessing of food takes place throughout the Salzkammergut region. The wicker baskets prepared for this purpose contain smoked meat, Easter bread, yeast pastries, eggs, butter, and, in the Innviertel region, also freshly sprouted grain. Important: The blessed eggs must not be cracked, and the blessed bread must be broken by hand, not cut. The baked Easter lamb is common in many villages and symbolizes the overcoming of suffering and the triumph of life.

On Easter Monday, it is traditional to visit extended family. The Easter Monday fair has a long tradition in Vorchdorf in the Gmunden district. The Sunday after Easter is also called Grandparents' Sunday and in the Salzkammergut region is dedicated entirely to grandparents.