Horses bless in St. Stefan: Tradition meets faith on Stephanitag

On December 26th, not only Saint Stephanus is celebrated in the lower Gailtal, but also a centuries -old tradition is kept alive: the Stefaniritt. Many horse owners move to the local parish church with their animals on this day to receive a special blessing. This tradition has its origin in the custom of blessing the horses that were of great importance in salt trade in the past. As orf Carärnten , the horses for the landlords who moved through Europe with their salt and others have been indispensable.

The focus is not only on the horses, but also the customs around the army of the salt farmers. Historian Heidi Rogy explained that the scanders used to use unfair means in order to be successful in the trading business. The salt trade, which Grauenau rose to the city in 1376, was characterized by important trading streets, such as the golden climb. These routes led through important trade centers and fueled the exchange between Bavaria and Bohemia. Today the Guldenstraße in Grafenau still from these historical connections.

traditions of salt trade

The horse blessing today is associated with the desire for happiness and health for the animals. The custom -care care, which can be observed in many communities in Carinthia, is an echo on the importance of the horse in the life of the useful salt farmers. On Stefanitag, the owners fill their animals with the consecrated salt to preserve them from misfortune, as Rogy explained. These festivities are reminiscent of a time when the salt trade not only shaped the lives of many people, but was also closely linked to the identity of the region.