MARTHA Carnival
Fasching / Fasnacht : It's carnival time!
Mullerlaufen carnival has been officially recognized by UNESCO as "Intangible Cultural Heritage in Austria".
The festive parades take place shortly before Lent (in 2017, Lent starts on 1 March). The mood overall is to see off winter and welcome the arrival of spring. Therefore, the main characters in these processions symbolize the seasons - although some characters' names differ slightly from village to village. The word "Muller” derives from “mask” and the masks worn in the processions are called "Larven". These precious wooden "Larven" are carefully hand-crafted and full of charisma. Wunschbild Illustration - Mullerlaufen |
|
In addition to the masks, the characters are also equipped with spectacular headpieces, fascinating clothes and intriguing accessories to complete the look.
The materials of the costumes range from feathers, furs, mirrors, bells, wood chips, fabric scraps, tree branches and even dried corn leaves! Depending on the roles, their movements in the procession can be elegant, playful or powerful.
The supporting figures also bring in elements of joy and humor. Common figures include witches, bear and its master, the "old couple", the tree man, the "horse rider", "blacksmiths", "bell-hitters" and musicians.
http://wunschbild.weebly.com |
Schöne Fasnacht!
* Links to MARTHA Muller/Matschgerer clubs: Mühlau, Rum, Thaur, Absam (and Mils) |
|