This week, on the 13th of January we returned to one of our favorite regions of Switzerland, Urnäsh in Appenzell. The Applenzell region is known for craftsmen and traditional celebrations, and this one celebrating the last day of the year is really interesting. First you should know the Appenzell region is still primarily an agricultural area - cheese and dairy is big business there. Farming is seasonal, and in the winter the hardworking farmers have time to carve, engrave, make elaborate costumes, and, you guessed it, dress up as women.
The 13th of January? New Years Eve? Yep, in the 16th century the Catholic Pope Gregory XIII changed the Julian calendar, and with this region being a Protestant Kanton, the people didn't want to follow the new calendar. So to this day, they celebrate Silvester (see Dec 31 post) according to the Julian calendar on the 13th. Like many Christan holidays, it has its origins in pagan beginnings. See this Website for details about the celebration and small groups of costumed men called Schuppeln.
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