Living customs

To tell myths

If you walk through the Bletterbach (river) or you have a hike to Göllersee (lake) or when you enjoy the splendid view high upon the Rosssprung on the Etsch valley underneath: The rich world of myths and legends in Aldino accompanies you where ever you go. Here people know about hidden treasures, belonging to giants and noblewomen, people know about devils and witches as well as about unexplainable, mysterious and weird stories.

The myth of the giant Grimm

The giant Grimm who lived on the edge between Black- and White Horn, one day stole the beautiful daughter of a nobleman from the Eggen valley. He took her in his castle high upon the mountain and made her to his bride. To liberate his daughter, the father asked the famous knight Dietrich von Bern to help him. The knight beat Grimm in a duel at the Salurner Clause. Furious about this, the giant went back on his mountain, followed by the brave knight. Giant Grimm through enormous rocks on him so that the mountain foundations started crumbling down and the peak broke together, burying the giant and his beautiful noblewoman together with the brave knight. Their blood coloured the rock face red and even today this mountain has its red colour and contrasts with the other surrounding mountains.

Myths of Aldino, told by children

Normally myths are passed on verbal. In Aldino the schoolchildren collected them and made a small book:”ckAldeiner Sagen aus Kindermund.” It tells about the giant Grimm and his wife Hilda, about the witches rock where witches used to assemble on Walpurgis night, about a duke who sold his soul to the devil. Here you can find a small sample out of the book which you can buy in the geographical museum or in the tourism association and in a few shops in the village for 5.00€

The betrayed devil

A long time ago there was an old man, his name was Hans and he always quarrelled with the devil. One day the devil appeared to him, holding a bag in his hands. The bag was full of gold and the devil through it in front of old Hans feed. He said:” I´ll give you this gold when you give me a piece of your body.” Hans didn´t need to think it over for he had a great idea. He relieved himself and through it towards the devil:” Here you are!” he said “ A piece of my body!” The devil disappeared in no time. Hans was released and ran home as fast as possible with a bag full of gold.

Told by:……………………………………..This myth was painted in five pictures from the famous painter Ignaz Stolz and can be admired in the dining room of “Zirmerhof” in Radein

Tinzltag

A very important day in children traditions in Aldino is the last day of carnival, called Tinzlday or children church day. Boys go to church with their had decorated with ribbons and flowers in all kind of colours and peacock feathers. Girls go to church with a myrtle garland on their head and a white apron. They join the R.C. mass, celebrated in their honour and go to the self-sacrifice. Thereafter, they storm out of the church and play on the village place. Teachers draw sweets and the children paper snakes .Than, children line up around the “Tiergarten” singing and crying. The rifle association of Aldino takes care of the organisation to maintain this very important tradition of Aldino. We all enjoy it, children, adults as well as our tourists.

The day cattle leaves the alpine pastures

Early September, cows go home- an unique event. Cows, calves and highland which were on the alpine pastures of Aldein during the summer months, are driven together and decorated with nice flowers before starting their way down in the valley. The animals arrive at about 11 o´clock, people and herdsmen have festivities, together with the guests they enjoy food and drink, listen to music and observe different folklore dancing groups, in the meantime, animals enjoy their well deserved rest.