New Year’s Eve is celebrated all across the globe, but people follow different traditions in different places. If you are considering celebrating New Year’s Eve in an exotic location like Switzerland and want to find out the traditions followed over there, you’ve arrived on the right page. In this article, we are going to talk about some of the most observed Switzerland New Year’s Tradition. Unlike the typical traditions followed by the world over, Switzerland has truly unique traditions.
If you are curious to find out the traditions perceived by Swiss people, you must allot your time to reading this article. The traditions in Switzerland are entirely in contrast to what the other countries follow. There are also some weird traditions that they observe during the New Year. However, the primary intention of following the traditions is to ward off the evil spirits and start the New Year on a prosperous note. This article will address your curiosity, so without future delay, start reading!
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Switzerland New Year’s Tradition
On December 31st, families come together to celebrate the beginning of the New Year. They together have a feast, play games, and enjoy each other’s company to the core. On January 1st, which marks the first day of the New Year, people religiously follow certain traditions believing that they would bring good luck for them. People living in different parts of Switzerland follow different traditions. From kids to adults to aged, everyone observes the rituals very seriously hoping for a better start.
1. Sylvester Lantern Parade
The Sylvester Lantern Parade is a tradition observed by the people of Switzerland on New Year’s Eve. As per tradition, people of Swiss hang lanterns outside their homes. This tradition dates back to 1800 and ever since it has been observed by the locals sincerely. On New Year’s Eve, lanterns should be held outside the homes between 6 PM and 7 PM. Even today people follow the tradition every year without a miss in the Wil city. Also, school children in the city participate in a parade singing. The children with the best lantern shall be awarded in the town’s award ceremony.
2. Dropping Ice Cream
While others may feel sorry for dropping ice cream on the ground, Swiss people consider it a lucky charm for them. On December 31st, people buy ice cream and drop it intentionally on the ground. This tradition came to light centuries ago and is still a much-appreciated tradition in Switzerland. It is the Switzerland New Year’s Tradition For Good Luck. Moreover, this tradition is now followed in other countries as well. The main intention of dropping ice cream on the ground at midnight on December 31st is that, it brings good fortune in the New Year.
3. Eat Cheese
Whether you believe it or not, eating Cheese is also considered a popular New Year tradition in Switzerland. Again, eating cheese is associated with good luck. You can indulge in the taste of Swiss cheese during New Year’s with the hope that it will bestow luck. Other than Cheese, Swiss people also eat Fondue Chinoise during New Year’s Eve to invite luck into their lives. Other than eating Cheese, Switzerland New Year’s Tradition Sleep With Cheese is also considered a popular New Year’s tradition in Switzerland where people with a wheel of cheese on New Year’s Eve bring good luck.
4. Chasing Away Evil Spirits
It is believed that on New Year’s Day, evil spirits and demons are high-spirited. To avoid them, Swiss people indulge in some weird traditions on New Year’s Eve. There are not one, but multiple traditions that Swiss people follow during New Year to ward off evil spirits. Though they may sound a little weird, Swiss people observe them with utmost sincerity even today.
5. Achetringele in Laupen
You can witness a weird tradition in Laupen where a group of masked men with brooms chase people to ward off evil. They don’t hurt or scare people, but their ultimate motive is to scare away evil spirits. Even in many parts of the world, broom is used as a weapon to scare away evil spirits. The boys are called Tringelers and are dressed in white gowns. They ring bells and roam around the streets of the city to chase away the evil spirits from the houses. Locals also believe in this tradition and keep their doors and windows open to let the bell sound echo in their houses.
6. Silvesterchlausen in Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Silversterchlause is a popular tradition in Switzerland, which has a long history that dates back to 1663. Unlike other traditions that are followed only on New Year’s Eve, this tradition is followed two times a year i.e., on 31st December and 13th January. The tradition involves groups of men going door-to-door conveying New Year’s wishes and dispelling negative energies. They make noises that are believed to expel demon forces from their homes.
The men are dressed pretty differently to perform this ritual. There are different costumes and styles in which these men dress, like Schone, Wueschte, and Schonwuescht.
7. Rauchle in Appenzell
Yet another Switzerland New Year’s Eve Tradition is, Rauchle. Rauchle is a religious tradition followed by Swiss people during New Year’s Eve. As per the tradition, a group of boys walk on the streets with smoking barrels. They burn frankincense as they move around from street to street. The main intention of performing this ritual is to repel evil entities from the city. In some parts of the country, the ritual is performed even at homes individually using coal and frankincense.
Bottom Line
These are some of the most popular as well as weird New Year’s traditions in Switzerland. These traditions are wholeheartedly followed by the locals irrespective of their outcome. If you find them interesting or fun to observe, do follow them when you get to visit Switzerland during New Year. If you are seeking luck and good fortune, go with the ice cream drop and cheese-eating traditions and if you want to safeguard your family against evil presences, opt for the dedicated traditions. Check out more traditions of various countries at newyearwiki website.