“Erntekrone” made from straw and wheat (Photo: courtesy of Landfrauen Parchim)
Hailing from Austria Thanksgiving here in America has only been an adult tradition from. Although I don’t have the same childhood memories of family getting together I have been blessed with kind friends who included me and often a few other “orphans” in their own family traditions. I have brought dishes, helped set up, but I have never hosted Thanksgiving myself. So something to put on the calendar for next year perhaps? But this year I will still be heading to a friend’s house for the usual treats. I will be bringing four different Austrian-style salads and caviar. Perhaps not traditional for a good old-fashioned Thanksgiving, but why not?
Baskets filled with the bounty of the harvest in the church of Wundschuh, Styria (Photo: courtesy of Dekanat Graz)
Speaking of traditions, Austria does have a similar celebration called “Erntedankfest”, loosely translated as “harvest thanksgiving festival”. Also commemorated in Germany and Switzerland, in Austria it takes place on a Sunday during Autumn right after the harvest, generally in October. But compared to the American Thanksgiving it is more a communal event rather than one celebrated at home. Because of Austria’s large farming communities this is a big celebration, which begins in church with a sermon and blessing of selections from the abundance of the harvest and most importantly the harvest crown (“Erntekrone”). This is followed by a procession and the presentation of the crown to the harvest queen (“Erntekönigin”). The harvest crown did not become a status symbol for farmers until the 1930s, and it is bestowed by the church as a reward for the hard work during harvest.
“Erntekrone” made from onions, wheat, corn, apples and carrots in the church of Wundschuh, Styria (Photo: courtesy of Dekanat Graz)
Blessing of the the harvest crown and offerings in the church of Großmeiseldorf in Lower Austria (Photo: courtesy of Großmeiseldorf)
Women in their traditional regional costume called “Tracht” at the harvest procession in Rauris, Salzburg county (Photo: courtesy of Raurisertal)
Procession of the harvest crown in St. Michael, Lungau, Salzburg county (Photo: courtesy of Maro Public)
Girls carrying the harvest crown in Lofer, Salzburg county (Photo: courtesy Salzburger Saalachtal)
Local band in “Lederhosen” playing Austrian folk music (“Volksmusik”) at the harvest festival in St. Wolfgang, county of Salzburg (Photo: Sigrid Esha)
This tradition of giving thanks can coincide with the “Almabtrieb” (literally: drive from the mountain pastures) if the snow in the mountains comes later. The cows return from their high alpine pastures and are led down into the stables in the valley for winter. It may be surprising to know that about 500,000 cows in Austria take this journey every year, compared to 50,000 in Germany. And if there were no accidents during the Sumer the cows travel through towns and villages with elaborate decorations .
Decorated cows at the “Almabtrieb” procession in Brixen im Thale, Tirol (Photo: Franz Ager)
Farmers guiding the cows through town in Kaiserwinkl, Tirol (Photo: Maro Public)
Locals wearing their folklore fineries celebrating the harvest festival in Zell am See, Salzburg county (Photo: Zell am See Kaprun)
After that there is of course lots eating, drinking and dancing, surely similar in spirit to many harvest celebrations around the world. Usually everyone ends up at the “Wirtshaus”, the local pub, for some beer, Schnaps and hearty food. Popular dishes consumed represent the local bounty of Autumn and include pumpkin soup, roast pork, duck, goose, lamb and of course game, which is in season during this time of the year.
The “D’ Kitztoana” folklore club dancing in Zell am See, Salzburg county (Photo: courtesy of Mein Salzburg)
Friends having a meal at “Freiseder” in Linz, Upper Austria (Photo: courtesy of Freiseder)
I like the communal aspect of the Austrian “Erntedankfest”, which brings people together to share our traditions. But now I am heading out to celebrate the American tradition of gathering family around a big meal.
Cheers,