The Germans of the Community of Feketic / Feketitsch
by Dr. Viktor Pratscher - Translated by Brad Schwebler

     At Christmas time the children go "Zammetran?" just like at Easter time.  Already on the evening before the Christ child comes, or the "Starrnickel?", but today the tenderly raised children are not so energetic as in earlier times.  The Christmas trees of our grandparents were much simpler than today.  Usually a blackthorn branch was replaced with some apples and nuts on the Christmas tree.  On the Christmas tree (Boxing Day) the lads ride out and receive from the girls ribbons in a row.  

     Besides the reverence for Sylvester in the church, no events take place in the passing of the last days of the year.  In the night one can still encounter the "Stornickel?".  He has a large felt cap, the "Schlaraffegsicht" (Cockaigne face), horns and a shaggy "Bunda?" on and his appearance with rattling chains and the "Bumschell?", as well as his "Scheerestang?" (pole), he also hunts the courageous children whose legs are trembling.