One of the traditional events we were told we "had" to experience during this time of year was the Klausentreiben. This event dates back thousands of years and originated as a Pagan ritual to cleanse the villages and people of evil winter spirits. Now it coincides with St. Nikolaus Day which is celebrated on December 6.
The Rumpelklausen come for two nights prior to St. Nikolaus. They are men dressed from head to toe in animal skins and fur. They have huge helmuts covered in fur on their heads with large horns attached to them. They wear big cow bells around their waist to announce their coming, and they carry switches to "beat" the evil spirits out of innocent bystanders. Crazy? Yes!
Despite warnings from several folks, American and German alike, not to attend, we decided to go and see what it was all about. We warned the kids that it may be scary, and we emphasized that they were just men in costumes and that they would not hurt them. I carried the baby with me. I was told that as long as I held a child that I would not get switched.
We waited as the crowd gathered and with pyro technics the Rumpelklausen entered the town center and paraded around. I do have to say that their costumes were quite impressive, and thankfully the kids did not get scared. In fact Sarah was brave enough to stand out in the street to get a better look. Cy said they were cool! After the Rumpelklausen paraded around the square they dispursed into the town. This is when the fun begins. Many people, mostly teenage boys, will taunt them so that the Rumpelklausen will chase them. We were worried about walking back to our car. We did pass a few on the way and only one smacked Tommy on the leg, but not too hard.
Our friend said that this particular Klausentreiben is some what tame. He says that in some of the smaller villages (like in Rettenberg where we live) the Klausen are not so nice. There are no "rules" and they tend to not be so gentle. Needless to say we did not attend the Klausentreiben in our village. We did here the bells and from our balcony could see the Klausen chasing folks down the street. Please tell me how this custom came to be linked with St. Nikolaus and Christmas?
At least we can say that we went and saw the Rumpelklausen. Next year we will have to go on the first night, because that is when the women dress up and beat up on the men! Now that sounds like fun!
Sadly we did not take any pictures. The camera was left in the car. I think we were afraid we might have to make a quick escape and didn't want any extra weight to carry. I found this website that has pictures and video of the Klausentreiben in Sonthofen. (town near here). Check it out! This is definitely something you must see to believe!
http://www.klausenverein.de/index.php
Sarah and Grace's school.
Scene from around Rettenberg.
Cyrus and Lore Mae ready for the snow! It usually takes 30 minutes to get everyone dressed, so as each one is done we send them outside to wait because it becomes too hot to wait inside with so many clothes on.
It has become tradition for someone (usually Tommy) to go to the bakery on Saturday mornings to get breakfast for everyone. We all have our favorites and Lore Mae's is called a Hefe-Klausen. It is a yeast roll in the shape of a man with icing for eyes and mouth. Here she is having a conversation with him after ripping it's head off.
