Traditions of Switzerland

Traditions and culture of Switzerland developed over many centuries. Local people respect them very much and pass them from generation to generation. Compared with other European countries, Swiss traditions and customs are distinguished by their originality and originality. In different regions, there are "their own" cultural traditions that may not be respected by other cantons in Switzerland. You, as a guest of the country, simply need to know the basic laws and national traditions of Switzerland and, of course, show respect to them.

Festive Traditions

As you know, the Swiss are very fond of fun, so in the country, almost every month, there are bright multi-day festivals, competitions and competitions. Traditionally, on the days of the festival (the most vivid musical event of the country is the Jazz Festival in Montreux ) they dress in the brightest, colorful clothes. Not one festive day in Switzerland does not pass without a magnificent salute and wine. One of the ceremonial holidays of the country is the Day of the winter (before the fast). During its holding in Switzerland, the tradition was the burning of a stuffed snowman, a torchlight procession and a fire show.

Despite the fact that the holidays in Switzerland are so loud and extraordinary, Christmas is a traditionally quiet and family holiday. You will not hear the rolling songs and clapping salute on this day. The main custom of the Swiss at Christmas is to read the prayer in the family circle at the festive table. On the streets of Switzerland there are fairs and exhibitions. Favorite food at Christmas are gingerbread in the form of a snowman or little man.

Family traditions of Switzerland

The family for the Swiss is its own particular world. Heat, spirituality and friendliness are its main components. But there are family traditions in Switzerland, which cause confusion among many tourists. For example, on the last day before the wedding, the groom's friends in the morning should properly blot the bride with mayonnaise, ketchup, maybe even a marsh. Then they need to spend such a "beauty" on the streets of the city. This Swiss tradition is not welcomed in all regions, but still exists. Allegedly, she must frighten off all future bridegrooms and lovers from the bride.

The formed family also has traditions that came from the distant Middle Ages. Strict patriarchy is an integral part of Swiss families. Without the official permission of the husband, the wife may not be recruited, and if a married woman decides to go on vacation to another country, then she must be accompanied by a relative of her husband. Traditionally every Friday evening, at a large family table, all family members and their relatives (grandmothers, godparents, aunts, etc.) gather for dinner. It is customary to begin the feast with a prayer, and during the evening meal discuss all the brightest events of the week.

As you know, the Swiss are a punctual and cultural people. Therefore it is considered unacceptable to be late for a visit. If the Swiss go to someone, then they must bring gifts for all members of the family. During a conversation on a visit, it is absolutely unacceptable to discuss family incomes and social status. Do not greet the Swiss and gossip, as they respectfully respect the private life of every citizen.

In the culinary world, Swiss families also have some distribution roles. Mostly men do not touch cooking, but if it's not about cheese or wine. These two products are made only by men, it is considered even unacceptable to interfere with the wife. In general, that cheese, that the wine in the country have an unrivaled taste and high quality. Maybe that's why, men are a little bit wary of female intervention, because their inexperience can "tarnish" such a good glory of the product.

Traditions in the Alps

The territory of Switzerland, where the beautiful Alps are located, has its own traditions and customs. All of them came from the 13th century and are revered by locals to this day. Customs in this Swiss region is mainly concerned with bestiality. Those who have domestic horned cattle need to repaint barns every spring and hang a new bell on his door. This custom attracts good milking all year round and frightens off the ailments of animals.

During the summer, Alpine shepherds fight in this area. Such sporting entertainment was nicknamed "Schwingen". As a prize, the winner is given bells for a herd of cows or interior items. According to the Swiss, such fights help the shepherds to maintain a good sportive shape and not lose the spirit of enthusiasm.

The most beautiful cultural tradition of Switzerland in the Alps is the singing of Betruf - the evening prayer of the shepherds. Every day, after all the animals are brought into the shed, the shepherds go out into the highlands and sing a prayer. It is believed that such a Swiss tradition saves the flock from the attack of wild animals in the mountains.

There is a tradition in Switzerland to decorate cattle with different ribbons and flowers when it descends from mountain pastures. Usually it turns into a whole holiday on the last day of September (during harvest days). The locals greet the shepherds with ovations and songs, and the animals are sprinkled with wheat (or another favorite crop of animals).

It is hard to imagine Swiss mountain pastures without an alpine bugle. Playing on it has long been a tradition, and nowadays it has become a whole musical art. During the Middle Ages, the horn was used to make the shepherds sign to others in the event of an attack. Now they blow it when the flocks go down into the shed. Often in villages that are near the Alps, organize whole music concerts, on which the main instrument is a magnificent alpine bugle.