The columns on the litzen (collar tabs) what do they symbolize or mean?

[HPL2008]

Is there a reason why the Austrian/Austro-Hungarian Army didn't adapt litzen? Obviously, litzen were not in fashion there.

Austria-Hungary was a different country with its own traditions, culture and style.

(Although, interestingly, there was a period during the inter-war/1st Republic years when the Austrian army closely modelled its insignia on those of the German Reichswehr, to include the use of the double Litzen. If I recall correctly, this was ca. 1920 to 1933.)

[Gorque]

Great information regarding Litzen. I always wondered if they denoted rank, but never thought to ask, so a special shout-out to the OP for broaching the subject. Regarding their grounding from Roman times, could this have something to do with the HRE?-