The Principality of Liechtenstein has a rich history, therefore it is not surprising that the locals are very honored, respected and protected by customs and traditions created over many centuries. Let's consider some of the most interesting.
Sparkling Sunday
The most widespread tradition in Liechtenstein was the celebration of the "sparkling resurrection". Such a holiday exists only in this state and is celebrated on the first Sunday after the Catholic fast.
A couple of days before the celebration, residents choose a place in the forest, where they bring brushwood and leave it to dry out. On an early Sunday morning, all participants in the celebration take dried rods and carry them to the center of the city square, kindle a huge bonfire on top of which they put a stuffed witch. From the fire torches are lit, they line up in a row and arrange a torchlight procession. It is believed that such a tradition drives away evil spirits from cities and gives each participating in the celebration prosperity.
On this day it is customary to dress up in costume suits, as well as mythological masks. In all houses a lush table is laid. If the family has a young girl, then her parents are invited to visit a guy whom they would like to see her husband. At the end of the celebration, residents of the cities arrange a bright festive salute.
Pure Thursday
In Liechtenstein, there is a tradition of celebrating Clean Thursday before Easter. It concerns mostly young men. Young guys were supposed to collect wooden wine corks during the year, from which on Thursday before Easter lit fires. When the fire burns out, the young men smear each other's faces with soot. It is believed that soot gives them happiness and strength. Sometimes "under the distribution" get girls, but they do not get dirty, but create a playfulness. Guys should entice beauties from home while cooking dinner, at this point someone steals a pot from the stove. Of course, the dinner is eaten: if it turned out delicious, then the owner returns an empty saucepan with a shoe - a sign of gratitude and respect.
Return from pasture
Another tradition of Liechtenstein was the celebration of "returning from pasture". On this day the shepherds decorate their herd with ribbons, bells, flowers. If a cow died in a mountain pasture (a goat or a sheep), then a black ribbon hangs on the horns of the herd. Sami shepherds must wear national shirts with embroideries, weave into the belt of the ribbon and decorate the hats with flowers. On the streets of cities, the herds are greeted cheerfully and happily, and they organize a walk.
Christmas
A fairly important winter holiday in Liechtenstein was Christmas. On this day, residents of cities gather in the city squares and decorate the tree with their toys. Everyone should bring at least one decoration. Around the Christmas tree arrange fairs and put carousels for children.
Common traditions of holidays
The people of Liechtenstein are a cheerful people who always like to sing and dance. No holiday can do without the chorus singing, playing the orchestra on bells and flutes. Sometimes orchestras play on alpine forges and shepherd's horns. The latter, in turn, are the most popular souvenirs from the memory of Liechtenstein .
The beloved local dance in the state was the "lender": men stamp and clap their feet at a fast pace, and around them in women's swirling skirts. So, in the spring holidays the inhabitants of Liechtenstein like to wear mythical masks, arrange fiery processions, bonfires and solemn parades.
If you are planning to visit the Principality, we also recommend that you familiarize yourself in advance with some of the laws of the state, which may seem somewhat harsh and conservative, including the procedure for issuing a visa , which since April 1, 2015 has changed for the residents of Russia.
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