In a custom practised in the Austrian Weinviertel, the Weinbeergeiß (dialect: "Weinber-Goaß") is carried along at harvest thanksgiving. There are different interpretations. The best known is probably the biblical story of the arch-father Noah who, after the Flood and the landing of his ark on the summit of Mount Ararat, observed a billy goat eating grapes, and as a result planted vines and became a winegrower. (Gen 9:20). However, it is also thought to be a fertility symbol with Celtic origins. See also under wine-growing customs.
Grapevine flagellum: Austria-Forum
Noah's Ark: by Dimitris Vetsikas on Pixabay
For my many years of work as an editor with a wine and culinary focus, I always like to inform myself about special questions at Wine lexicon. Spontaneous reading and following links often leads to exciting discoveries in the wide world of wine.
Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien