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On the occasion of Mary's Day or the Assumption of Mary, Waidhofen, Austria, will host a unique and charming event. From August 13th to 14th, the town will come together to collect, prepare, and display herb bunches.
The festivities commence on Wednesday, August 13th, at 6 pm, when women gather at the Seelhof in Waidhofen to collect wild herbs from meadows and paths nearby. These herbs will be brought to the Waidhofen municipal yard the following day, August 14th, starting from 1 pm.
On the same day, at 2 pm, the herb bunches will be tied in the municipal yard. It is essential that each bunch consists of at least seven different herbs. Once prepared, the finished herb bunches will be displayed before and after the Mass on the day of Mary's Assumption.
This event follows a long-standing tradition in Austria and Central Europe, where people collect wild herbs and flowers on the morning of the feast day. These herb bunches are often tied together and taken to church to be blessed by the priest. The belief is that the herbs have special healing and protective powers after the blessing and are kept in homes for protection and health throughout the year.
While specific details about Waidhofen's herb collection and tying practices may not be readily available, it is likely that they follow this common tradition. For more detailed information about local customs, consult regional cultural or church sources.
The finished herb bunches will be on display for all to see, adding a touch of natural beauty to the celebrations of Mary's Assumption. So, if you find yourself in Waidhofen on August 15th, don't forget to visit the church and admire the vibrant herb bunches, a testament to Waidhofen's rich cultural heritage and the enduring power of tradition.
On August 14th, the prepared herb bunches will be displayed in the Waidhofen municipal yard, showcasing a blend of the region's fashion-and-beauty, as each bunch follows the traditional practice of using at least seven different herbs. After being blessed during the Mass on Mary's Assumption, these herb bunches will be brought home by many residents, reflecting their lifestyle of valuing the significance of tradition and natural beauty in their home-and-garden settings.
