Switzerland

Image Source: Flags of the World. CIA: the World Factbook. Retrieved October 23, 2010, from @https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sz.html

= __SWITZERLAND __ =

Christmas Traditions
= =  Those who are of Christian faith in Switzerland enjoy many customs similar to those celebrating Christmas in the Western countries of the world. Festivities of the holiday season begin with Advent on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Eve and blends together the unique terms and refrences from Switzerland's Italian-speaking south, French-speaking west, and German-speaking areas of the country. Most known to the rest of the world is Switzerland’s distinctive holiday tradition of Christmas Markets, which are held throughout the country.

Image Source: Advent and Christmas. (2010). SwissWorld. Retrieved october 23, 2010, from @http://www.swissworld.org/en/culture/seasonal_customs/advent_and_christmas

Source
Advent and Christmas The source, provided by the Switzerland Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, gives description of the December 5 custom of Klausjagen, or chasing St. Nicholas, as well as the various variations of St. Nicholas that are celebrated by the children of Switzerland depending on the German-, French-, or Italian-speaking areas of the country. December 6 marks the celebration of Samichlaus, or the recognition of the German variation of St. Nicholas, and the ritual of children discovering their boots filled with treats. Christmas Eve is described in detail, and the family traditions that celebrated at this time.

[[image:fondue.jpg width="260" height="195" caption="Fondue Chinois"]]
Image Source: Swiss tuck into moveable feast. (2010). Swiss Info Channel. Retrieved October 23, 2010, from @http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Home/Archive/Swiss_tuck_into_movable_feast.html?cid=3086860

Due to the unique blend of cultures in Switzerland, mainly German, French and Italian, a distinct Swiss Christmas meal cannot be determined. Rather, the stated country's influence is seen in the array of meals which are prepared for the Christmas Eve meal, such as stuffed turkey and Christmas cookies. One meal which is seen in all areas of the country, regardless of its predominant cultural influence, is the Fondue Chinois, which consists of very thin slices of meat cooked in broth and served with a variety of sauces.

References SwissWorld. //Advent and Christmas.// (2010). Retrieved october 23, 2010, from @http://www.swissworld.org/en/culture/seasonal_customs/advent_and_christmas

HOME