3,096 Days (33 page)
Authors: Natascha Kampusch
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A kind of rubbing alcohol made of camphor, menthol and various fragrances, such as spruce or pine needle oil.
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A German television show produced in cooperation with the Swiss and Austrian public service broadcasters describing unsolved crimes and eliciting help from viewers in finding the perpetrator(s); similar to the BBC programme
Crimewatch
.
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In the Austrian school system, fourth grade marks the end of the primary school phase, after which the pupils switch schools, choosing which kind of educational path to take, i.e. either aimed at learning a trade or eventually going to university.
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‘Krampus’ is a mythical creature who is said to accompany St Nicholas during the Christmas season, warning and punishing bad children.
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A celebration on 6 December when children receive sweets for having been good during the year.
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The figure in Austria believed to bring children presents at Christmas, akin to Santa Claus. The word translates directly as ‘Christ child’.
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A kind of dry marble cake commonly eaten in Austria.
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A traditional custom at New Year in Austria. A small amount of lead is melted over a candle then cooled in water. The shape it forms is said to predict one’s fortune for the coming year.
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Austria’s largest bell, the Pummerin hangs in Vienna’s St Stephen’s Cathedral and is sounded at midnight on New Year’s Eve to ring in the New Year.
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A typical greeting in Austria.
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Written by Natascha Kampusch in English.
