December 8 "Maria Empfängnis/Immaculate Conception" in Bavaria is a "Frauentag" (Day of Our Lady). It used to be a legal holiday in the predominantly Catholic regions of Germany and still is a legal holiday in Austria. Especially during the nine days before Christmas (December 16 - 24), Mary is the central figure of celebrations. The best known of these are "Frauentragen" (Carrying the Virgin) and "Herbergsuche" (Search for an Inn).

Frauentragen: In parts of the Catholic-Alpine area it is the custom to carry a statue or a painting of Mary through the village and each family will host it for one night. The whole family, with torches and lanterns, accompanies the image, which is devoutly received and welcomed by its new hosts in front of their house.

The story of Mary and Joseph vainly seeking a room at the inn is one that has always deeply touched people. The "Herbergsuche" is an outgrowth of the medieval Christmas plays. Statues of both, Mary and Joseph, may be carried from house to house to be hosted for one night. This may continue until Candlemas Day. Another custom is for young people to dress up as Mary and Joseph and go from house to house to collect for the poor and for charities. Or children may carry a nativity creche-crib-Krippe (see links at bottom of this link) from house to house reminding people of what happened 2000 years ago when Mary and Joseph tried in vain to find a place to stay.

Ruth Reichmann

FURTHER RESOURCES compiled by Robert Shea