Silvester, Festtag#

Silvester, December 31. Feast day of the canonised pope of the same name, d. 335, who is venerated as a patron saint of livestock in South and East Tyrol (local pilgrimages and sledge rides). The night between the feast of S. on New Year's Eve and the following day, the New Year's Day plays an important role in Austrian folk customs. The night of the turn of the year is one of several Rauhnaechte and plays an important role for oracles and other similar customs ( Lostage). Lead is poured into cold water and the shapes thus formed are said to indicate what lies ahead, and season's greetings are sent to relatives and friends. Good wishes are also expressed by means of small good-luck charms, frequently eatable ones, and people also eat certain foods for luck such as pork (the pig's head being the most popular). New Year's Eve is traditionally celebrated all over Austria (fireworks, Emperor's Ball, performances of the "Fledermaus" in Vienna and elsewhere).

Literature#