Intangible cultural heritage

Although initial records of the traditions surrounding the winegrowers' flag in Wolkersdorf only date back to the late 19^th century, they indicate that the practice has existed for a long time. The flag was designed in such a way as to symbolise the local winegrowers' pride in their status and to emphasise the practice’s social value through its representative design. Carrying the winegrowers' flag has always been associated with a wide range of practices and rituals that have been handed down over the years, although some have changed over time. On the one hand, this includes the special clothing worn on this special occasion, such as sashes, vine leaf garlands, and winegrower's jackets made of Kalmuck fabric (although tails and top hats were also worn in former times). On the other hand, it involves communal work in the run-up to the event, such as decorating the flag with roses, vine leaves, and ears of corn.

Originally, the Hauerburschen were the sons of local winegrowers, but today other people (of all genders and ages) local to Wolkersdorf can also assume this role. In addition, this group has been responsible for erecting and chopping down a guardian tree on Wolkersdorf's main square since the 1970s. The presence of the guardian tree marks the beginning and end of the vintage, and it is cut down after Martinmas (11 November). The bearers are tasked with felling, decorating, erecting, and chopping down a tree, as well as organising the festival to celebrate the tasting of the first young wine. The community of winegrowers is given financial and organisational support by the Wolkersdorf Winegrowers‘ Association, the town council, the chapel, and the parish, since the carrying of the winegrowers’ flag and erecting of the guardian tree are seen as important social and identity-defining practices for the local community.

The practice of carrying the winegrowers' flag has been safeguarded in the area thanks to the dedication of the bearers, while it has faded in many other places. Various safeguarding measures ensure that the practice continues to thrive, including media presence, exhibitions, published and proposed studies, and publications. Images and videos are compiled using the council's topotheque, which is continuously expanded and accessible to the public.

Downloads

• Application form (in German only) 289 KB (pdf)
• Expertise Galler (in German only) 661 KB (pdf)
• Expertise Witzmann (in German only) 24 KB (pdf)