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The
most famous Austrian folk dance is the Schihplattler, where
the boys slap their thighs and shoes. The country folk are
busy on the land in the spring and summer, but they love to
dance, so most dancing in Austria is indoors, in the winter.
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Costume
Because of the swirling movements of the dance, the
national costume is a full gathered skirt with lots
of white cotton petticoats underneath, called a dirndl.
There
are nine different regions in Austria, each with its
own costume. Some of them have pleated skirts, and there
are many different types of bodice, but they are all
tight fitting over a white blouse with short puffed
sleeves. The skirts can be made of plain or flowered
material, and an apron is always worn over the skirt,
either white, plain, flowered, or coloured to contrast
with the skirt. There are many different styles of hat.
Knitted stockings in blue, red, green or white are worn
with sturdy black shoes.
For
boys and men, the most popular costume is leather shorts
or breeches, called Lederhosen. These are worn with
a white open necked shirt and rolled up sleeves, occasionally
with a tie. White stockings and black shoes are worn
with this costume.
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Music
In the olden days, folk music was played on the mouth
organ and the zither. These have now been overtaken by
the accordion, which was invented by an Austrian, Damien,
in 1829. |
Customs
Spring and Easter are greeted with bonfires, and in some regions
branches of pine, willow, flowers, ribbons and apples are
fastened to the top of a pole. After the pole has been blessed
it is placed in the centre of a field, it is believed it will
help the crops to grow.
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On
Midsummer Night in Lower Austria, eggshells are filled
with lighted candles and floated on the river Danube,
so that the whole river is a mass of tiny lights. At
harvest time, the first stalks to be cut are made into
a cross and the last into a wreath. Special cakes and
biscuits are made by the women to welcome the herdsmen
when the cattle return from the summer pastures.
At
Christmas, one of the most popular carols is Silent
Night. This, too, comes from Austria.
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Where
will Fred and Ginger travel to next?
Come back soon to find out!
©1989
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
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