“Frauendreißiger - 30 Days Full of Power”

On August 15th, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, or, as it is more commonly known in the vernacular, the Feast of Our Lady. In Italy, the so-called ferragosto marks the quintessential holiday period: the economy comes to a standstill, people leave the heat and the cities behind and head to the sea or the mountains. On this day, life is breathed into our quiet mountain village: it is the major feast day for the pilgrimage church, and many believers enjoy the fresh air and cool temperatures between prayers.

While May is far more widely recognized as the Marian month, from August 15th to September 15th, the Frauendreißiger takes place, a period filled with numerous processions and Marian feasts. Alongside the main feast day on August 15th, there is also the Small Women’s Day (Feast of the Nativity of Mary) on September 8th, the Feast of the Queenship of Mary on August 22nd, and the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary on September 12th. The Frauendreißiger is essentially the Marian month in summer.

During these four weeks, the mountain herbs are believed to have particularly strong healing powers. After Good Friday and St. John's Day in June, the period around the Assumption of Mary is the third most important time for gathering herbs. The farmers’ pharmacy for both humans and animals is replenished for the winter, and herbs are dried and stored for various rituals. Sometimes they are kept under the pillow for marital happiness, sometimes in the attic as protection from dark forces, or at the corner of the room for incense during difficult times.

Following the sacred number three, three sets of three herbs, making a total of nine, are tied together to form a small bouquet and blessed during the mass on the Feast of Our Lady. The composition slightly varies from region to region, but one thing is common among all the bouquets: the tied herbs help with women’s ailments.

At the center of the bouquet stands the Verbascum (mullein), with its yellow flowers, whose mucilaginous properties help with sore throats, hoarseness, and coughs. Next is Artemisia (wormwood or "women’s herb"). This herb is the mother of all medicinal plants and has been revered since ancient times for its powerful healing properties. Its essential oils are believed to have antibacterial, calming, disinfecting, and antispasmodic effects. Tanacetum (tansy) belongs to the daisy family and, with its digestive and anti-parasitic properties, serves as a remedy for pests.

For kidney ailments, Solidago (goldenrod) is used. With its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal effects, it relaxes smooth muscles and helps with bladder conditions, kidney stones, and kidney gravel. Achillea (yarrow): the name "garbe" comes from the Old High German "garwe," meaning "health giver." It is a remedy for cramps and has a relaxing, calming, hemostatic, and antispasmodic effect. Particularly helpful for wound healing, sprains, and bruises is the St. John’s Wort oil.

Two Mediterranean herbs follow: Salvia (sage) and Rosmarinus (rosemary). The former is a true all-round lifesaver: it has a mucolytic, germ-killing effect on respiratory inflammation and in the mouth and throat, while its bitter substances stimulate digestion, easing symptoms of heartburn, bloating, and fullness. Strengthening properties are also attributed to rosemary, also known as the "wedding herb." This circulation-boosting and warming herb helps with rheumatism, muscle pain, and joint pain. And lastly, the bouquet contains Lavandula (lavender), which is applied externally for eczema or skin inflammations. As a tea, it helps with bladder ailments and digestive issues.

From “Living Traditions in South Tyrol” by Jutta Tappeiner and Hans Griessmair, published in 2019 by Athesia Verlag and produced by the South Tyrolean Farmers’ Organization.