Bamkraxler
The Bamkraxler (Austrian: Bam: tree, Kraxler: climber; thus a " tree climber ") is a children's toy and at the same time the symbol of the Kalvarienbergmarkt in Hernals , which is considered the oldest fasting market in Vienna .
toy
The figure of the Bamkraxler (“tree climber”), cut out of plywood, is attached to a spring on one side and a small bell in the form of a clamp on the other . A metal or wooden stick is pushed through this spring, which carries a tuft of green paper strips at the upper end - thus representing the tree.
The wooden figure is pulled down by gravity , but the spring is jammed by the one-sided load and only moves slowly and jerkily downwards and makes the bell ring.
production
It is not known since when this "Bamkraxler" has been made and when it is the landmark of the Kalvarienbergmarkt in Kalvarienberggasse in Vienna's 17th district.
In the past, the Bamkraxler were made in large numbers and only sold at the fasting market in front of the Hernalser Kalvarienbergkirche .
After the Second World War , the figures were made of plastic for some time , but production stopped due to falling demand. Since then, a few stalls at the Easter market have been making the Bamkraxler at home with their families , so as not to let this typical Viennese symbol die out.
Trivia
In Döbling there is a beer and jazz bar called Bamkraxler. The name goes back to a Bamkraxler found during the renovation of the house.