Bleigiessen and Glücksbringer- New Years fun in Austria

   New Years Eve traditions vary from country to country and even region to region. Growing up in the US the most important traditions involved the ball dropping and the singing of Auld Lang Syne. For my children it is the exchange of lucky charms, fireworks, and our own family tradition; New Year's Brunch.

   These past transitional days have been busy with the enjoyments that come in the form of houseguests, distracting us from duty and housework and freeing us up to have a more relaxing 'rutsch' (slide) into 2019. As we celebrated I took a plethora of photos so as to share some of the highlights with you.

   Glücksbringer are small charms that are available for up to a few euros at little stands between Christmas and Silvester. These are bought and exchanged on the 31st when meeting friends. Typically these are in the forms of pigs, mushrooms, four leaf clover, chimney sweeps,  gold coins, and horseshoes. Of these forms, pigs are by far the most common. Pigs are everywhere and available at all price points. Cheap plastic miniature ones go for 70 cents and handmade ceramic ones cost a great deal more. We usually buy the glass ones, carefully picking out the ones that aren't damaged and then holding our breath while the seller tosses them into a small paper sack.

  This tradition dates back to Roman times but became especially important in the middle ages not only because superstition ran high but also because tradesmen and indentured servants relied on their annual glücksbringer, then more valuable than today's tokens, to supplement their wages. Today these charms are packed away to be taken out each year for these few pivotal days. Here is our collection at the moment.

   This year we made raclette for our Silvester dinner, fondue is also popular. This is a fun interactive meal which helps to pass the time until midnight.

  The other common tradition dating back to ancient Rome is bleigiessen, melting and pouring lead- or, in our case, tin into a bowl of water. As the molten metal hits the water it spays out into an abstract form which, with a bit of imagination, can be used to tell the future. The reading of the metal is similar to the reading of tea leaves. Although this was once an actual form of telling someone's fortune it is now only really done at New Year and isn't taken seriously in a superstitious way.

   At midnight we went out to watch what fireworks there were- we had seen the light show the night before during its practice run. And together with several dozen others toasted the new year with the champagne we had brought out with us. As always the Viennese waltz played at midnight and people danced. The last dance of the year and at the same time the first. A lovely way to end, but also to begin the new year.

   2019 has started out, after a relaxing brunch, with a walk in the crisp air. Chatting with friends, and returning to the house for gin and tonics for adults and the breaking and eating of the gingerbread house for everyone.

  And now it is your turn. What are your traditions? Do you exchange lucky charms? What do you do when the clock strikes midnight? Let me know in the comments below.

And don't forget about the Draw With Me challenge, It ends January 6th. I am looking forward to seeing the results.

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