Sebastian Rieger. Priest and poet
The Roman Catholic priest and poet Sebastian Rieger, known as “Reimmichl” (born 28 May 1867 in St. Veit in Defereggen; died 2 December 1953 in Heiligkreuz, Hall in Tirol) achieved great renown and popularity amongst the people as a folk poet. After attending grammar school in Brixen, he entered the seminary and was ordained a priest in 1891. As a folk poet, he published his first tales and stories in the "Tiroler Volksbote". He worked there as an editor from 1897 onwards. His pseudonym “Reimmichl” dates from this period; it was inspired by a colourful character living in Sexten at the time, “Michl”, a cobbler who was renowned as a storyteller. From 1914 until his death, he served as curate at Heiligkreuz in Hall in Tirol.
“Reimmichl’s Folk Calendar” has been published since 1925 (previously “Tyrolean Calendar” from 1920). He wrote novels, short stories and light-hearted tales. His literary works offer both entertainment and moral and religious educational value, and foster a sense of Tyrolean identity rooted in these values.
To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sebastian Rieger, known as Reimmichl, the town of Hall is planning a special exhibition at the Town Museum in the spring.
Further details to follow!
Selected reading:
- Reimmichl. The Life and Work of a Folk Poet. Dedicated to Reimmichl on his 60th birthday by Tyrolia Publishing House, Innsbruck-Vienna-Munich 1927
- Herta Neurauter: Reimmichl as a Tyrolean folk storyteller and educator, doctoral thesis, Innsbruck, 1950
- Hans Brugger: The Vicar of Tyrol. Reimmichl and His Stories, Innsbruck 1972
- Dr Walter W. Sackl: Reimmichl – A Home Visit. Serious and Light-hearted Stories. Memoirs. Tyrolia, Innsbruck 1989
