Before we went, we read websites about the tradition. Once we got there, we started at the local museum that displays costumes dating back over 100 years. None of this prepared us for want we were about to see and hear. We walked about a mile from town up into the farm land. First, we heard clanging cow bells, then the beautiful accapella chanting called Zauren. Groups of 5-7 men (and occasionally boys) decked out in three types of costumes (ugly, pretty-ugly, and pretty) serenaded what appeared to be relatives and important town people at their front door. After 3-5 minutes of Zauren the Schuppeln would dance around, causing the huge bells they wore to clang and jingle. The serenaded people would thank the Schuppeln by giving them a warm drink (gluwien or something a little stronger). The masks were made with a small opening for a straw to be inserted. Then the Zauren would begin again. This was repeated several times at each house.
Over the course of 3 hours, we walked around to different houses, tried some local treats, and tried to make friends with the Silvesterchlaeuse (members of the Schuppeln). Meanwhile the 6 Schuppeln we saw sang and ran (with the enormous costumes) from house to house. The men (some of which were dressed as women) were in good spirits. They gave Ruth a big hug, and really seemed to like that others cared to see their tradition. What else would you do on a cold winter's day in the middle of cow country?
Videos
Young ones carrying on the tradition.
An example of the Zauren and bell ringing.
Bell ringing and getting their drink!
The pretty people running down the street to the next house. It was raining so they had their "masks" covered with plastic.
An example of the Zauren and bell ringing.
Bell ringing and getting their drink!
The pretty people running down the street to the next house. It was raining so they had their "masks" covered with plastic.
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