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Samichlaus and Schmutzli – Learn how Swiss Santa works!
Dimitri Burkhard
November 29, 2010

How Swiss Santa Works - Samichlaus Tradition in Switzerland

Swiss Santa is not exactly a jolly good fellow like his American counterpart. He is not mean spirited, either. But yet, his job description differs quite a bit.

Here is an overview of the Swiss Santa tradition from my own perspective. It is important to note that the details of how this tradition is carried out differs significantly within Switzerland. Each linguistic region has their own traditions, and catholic cantons vary from protestant cantons.

December 6 is Santa Day in Switzerland

Regardless of where you are located, December 6 is the traditional Santa Day in Switzerland. On this day, "Samichlaus" and his companion "Schmutzli" (as they are called in Swiss German) will emerge from their cottage in the woods to visit children at their kindergartens, classrooms and homes.

Rather than flying on a reindeer-pulled sleigh, Samichlaus and Schmutzli walk across the countryside with a donkey in tow.

Once they reach town, Samichlaus and Schmutzli have their work cut out for them. One by one, they will visit families at their home. Since Samichlaus has a special Santa bell attached to his waist, the trot can be heard loud and clear from afar.

Some families take the time to decorate their living room with candles and Christmas lights. Others might host Samichlaus in their yard where they might have a bonfire going. And yet other homes show no signs of the festive season whatsoever.

Once seated, Samichlaus with his deep voice will narrate a heartwarming story. Next up, children are expected to rehearse a poem and make a promise to better themselves for the upcoming year. To thank them for their poems, Schmutzli will hand them a gingerbread cookie from his sack.

And finally, the emptying of the big bag. Whether they have been naughty or nice, children are left witha pile of walnuts, peanuts, chocolates, tangerines and ginger breads...

As you can tell, a Santa visit is not a bad deal for those kids who have studied up.



as they say - more at the link https://www.newlyswissed.com/learn-how- ... nta-works/

Wikipedia wrote:Saint Nicholas of Myra[a] (traditionally 15 March 270 – 6 December 343),[3][4][ b ] also known as Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop of Greek descent from the maritime city of Myra in Asia Minor (Greek: Μύρα; modern-day Demre, Turkey) during the time of the Roman Empire.[7][8] Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker.[c] Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, prostitutes, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, unmarried people, and students in various cities and countries around Europe. His reputation evolved among the pious, as was common for early Christian saints, and his legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the traditional model of Santa Claus ("Saint Nick") through Sinterklaas.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas

RTH10260 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 05, 2021 6:40 pm PS. the red dress is iirc a carryover from US and UK traditions.

Sam the Centipede wrote: ↑Mon Dec 06, 2021 4:08 am

RTH10260 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 05, 2021 6:40 pm PS. the red dress is iirc a carryover from US and UK traditions.

Someone here will know: did the now traditional red coat, white fur trim, wide black belt, big white beard, etc. for Santa originate with Coca Cola advertizing or is it older than that?

Azastan wrote: ↑Mon Dec 06, 2021 4:17 am

Sam the Centipede wrote: ↑Mon Dec 06, 2021 4:08 am

RTH10260 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 05, 2021 6:40 pm PS. the red dress is iirc a carryover from US and UK traditions.

Someone here will know: did the now traditional red coat, white fur trim, wide black belt, big white beard, etc. for Santa originate with Coca Cola advertizing or is it older than that?

Red coat is traditional, white fur trim is traditional, big white beard is traditional, and red cap is traditional (at least Victorian). The wide black belt doesn't seem to be traditional, with the red coat often looking more like a red robe than a coat.

Victorian christmas cards are good illustrations of 'traditional' Santa Claus/St Nicholas.

pipistrelle wrote: ↑Mon Dec 06, 2021 10:48 pm
Some were also creepy as hell.
https://www.history.com/news/victorian-christmas-cards