2023-12-01 18:15:05
LH Mikl-Leitner: Traditions and customs give energy, courage and strength for peaceful coexistence
St. Pölten (OTS) – This weekend, today December 1st and tomorrow December 2nd, the “This is how Lower Austria tastes” Advent market is taking place for the 15th time in the unique ambience of the Palais Niederösterreich in Vienna’s Herrengasse. This Friday, numerous visitors celebrated the opening together with State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, her deputy Stephan Pernkopf, the provost of Klosterneuburg Abbey Anton Wolfgang Höslinger and star guest Marc Pircher.
Especially in the run-up to Christmas, our traditions and customs remind us of what is essential, said the state governor: “Our community, our togetherness, the family and the peace in our country.” You live in a solidarity and social country, in a country where you are there for each other, show consideration for each other and, above all, have understanding for each other, “because that is our self-image.” But especially in recent years, this self-image has also become a misunderstanding, says Mikl-Leitner, “because many people deny our traditions and customs out of misunderstood tolerance or fear of excluding other cultures. But I think that’s wrong,” she said and explained: “Celebrations such as Saint Nicholas celebrations, St. Martin’s Day celebrations or Advent celebrations do not divide society, but rather unite it, because these celebrations stand for togetherness and, above all, for positive integration.” That’s why they are so important To hold on to these traditions, these customs and let others share in them.
“For us, Advent is a beautiful time in which we come together, stand together and look forward to the birth of Christ,” said Mikl-Leitner, thanking the organizers, exhibitors and also the guests who came in large numbers to today’s opening came, and wished in conclusion: “Let us take the Advent and Christmas season as an opportunity to uphold traditions, customs and our togetherness and, above all, everyone take time for their families and friends and recharge their batteries, courage and strength all in one peaceful coexistence.
From the very beginning, the “This is what the Lower Austria Advent market tastes like” relied on real craftsmanship, delicious specialties, farm direct marketers and traditional music, said LH deputy Stephan Pernkopf, explaining the success of the Advent market in the Palais Niederösterreich. “And of course, traditions are part of an Advent market like this, and in the Advent season in general, because Saint Martin or Saint Nicholas have not only always been associated with wisdom for the entire society, such traditions connect people and we should stand by them.” There are many cultural customs, especially during Advent, such as looking for a hostel, Advent singing or the Christmas blowing of brass musicians, with which the aim is simply to bring warmth to people. “The most important thing we can wish for this Christmas is peace in our world,” said Pernkopf.
Anton Höslinger, provost of Klosterneuburg Abbey, spoke of Advent as a quiet time, which is difficult in current times. “But we try to focus on the essentials through our church services and various events and to consciously prepare for the celebration of God becoming a person like us in the birth of Jesus Christ, so that we can find peace and calm inside. “This is the only way to radiate and pass on peace to the outside world. The abbot also spoke regarding the custom of lighting the first candle on the Advent wreath: “The light in particular is not just a superficial symbol for the Advent and Christmas season, but expresses exactly what we want to celebrate, namely that a bright light Christ symbolizes that the darkness of the world, which we unfortunately experience once more and once more, can also illuminate the world.”
In 15 years of “This is what the Lower Austria Advent market tastes like”, around 900 exhibitors, a total of 1,700 musicians and over 300,000 guests have enchanted the Palais Niederösterreich. At the 2023 anniversary Advent market, over 60 exhibitors from the culinary initiative will get guests in the mood for Advent and the Christmas season with free admission with regional delicacies, gift ideas, readings, choirs and brass bands as well as their own children’s bakery. The “This is how Lower Austria tastes like an Advent market” is open today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Details regarding the program online at www.soschmecktnoe.at/adventmarkt2023
Questions & Contact:
Office of the Lower Austrian State Government
State Office Directorate/Public Relations
Doris Zöger
02742/9005-13314
presse@noel.gv.at
www.noe.gv.at/presse
1701455608
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