‘Almabtrieb’ — the European Tradition that Signals Winter is Coming Winter is coming and with it some beautiful European traditions that ring in the winter season. In many (mainly) German speaking areas one marked signal that winter is coming is the so called ‘Almabtrieb’ or ‘Alpabzug’, the ceremonial droving of cattle down from the alpine meadows back into the stables for winter. In summer, cows and other farm animals are […] Julia Schneemann | September 10, 2023 0 Comments
Exploding Snowmen — How the Swiss Celebrate Spring Today is a special day in Zurich, Switzerland — Sechseläuten, or “six bells festival” in English. It is a centuries-old tradition, dating back to medieval times, which rings in spring and is used as a show-stopping way to predict the weather, similar to the Pennsylvania groundhog. For this festival, the effigy of a snowman is set on fire. Depending on […] Laughs Julia Schneemann | April 17, 2023 0 Comments
Italian Festival ‘La Madonna Della Neve’ Celebrates That One Time Ancient Rome Saw Snowfall in August, 358 A.D. Many readers at SnowBrains will have heard of Ullr, the Norse God of snow. You might even recall we had an article on Skadi, Goddess of snow. Either way, it might be news to you that actually, it is Christianity’s own virgin Mary that according to this Italian legend can bring snow. Last weekend a festival was celebrated all over […] Brains Julia Schneemann | August 11, 2022 1 Comment
California Has Some Amazing Ski Traditions California has a unique ski culture of its own, and that ski culture has led to some fantastic yearly events. While the COVID-19 pandemic might force some of these events to take a year off, let’s take a look at some of the amazing traditions born in California. Related: Colorado Has Some Amazing Ski Traditions Holy Bowly – Mammoth Mountain […] Ryan Flynn | November 19, 2020 0 Comments
Laughs
Brains
