!!!Almabtrieb

Almabtrieb (driving cattle down from the Alpine pastures), conclusion 
of the Alpine pasture grazing season and beginning of winter season 
(animals kept in sheds), usually between Michaelmas (September 29) and 
mid-October. The cattle are decorated with branches, ribbons, sequins 
and mirrors (a custom called "Aufkranzen") and large bells are hung 
from their necks; in the case of a death in the family or a deadly 
accident on the pastures, a black ribbon is added to the wreath 
(called "Klagbuesche"). In some places, this tradition is followed by 
music and food and drink (e.g. in the towns of Egg and Hohenems in 
Vorarlberg), a livestock market (in Schwarzenberg, Vorarlberg) and 
dance events ("Huetertanz" (herdsman's dance), Dienten in the province 
of Salzburg). This tradition has become less and less popular as the 
ceremonial conclusion of the season on the Alpine pasture, especially 
as agriculture has become more and more mechanised and streamlined; 
the custom is still practiced as a spectacle and tourist attraction in 
various places.

!Further reading
R. Wolfram, Almbrauchtum, in: Oesterr. 
Volkskundeatlas, 6%%sup th/%  edition, 1979.


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