The Swiss Samichlaus Tradition
Oh yes, in classic Swiss fashion we’re taking “naughty or nice” just one step further!
I grew up immersing myself, and now my uber-patient bride, in Christmas movies, foods, and other traditions. The most negative thing I ever saw at Christmas in my childhood was The Grinch! The Swiss Samichlaus and Schmutzli tradition take it just one step further, and I am loving every second of it!
In Switzerland, Samichlaus arrives three weeks earlier on the 6th of December, St Nicholas Day, which is said to date back at least to the 11th century. Samichlaus brings edible treats to those kids who have been good for the year, generally oranges, tangerines, peanuts, walnuts, and the seasonal gingerbread. He’s not the ‘jolly old soul’ like our American Santa, but still a positive-natured spirit.
His counterpart, Schmutzli, was the more shocking figure to learn about! Schmutzli travels alongside Samichlaus, but instead of a beautiful white beard and red cloak, he is generally outfitted in darker clothing and often seen with a dark beard, black or concealed face, and sometimes red eyes. He brings that little element of fear and intimidation, and it really makes it entertaining.
While Samichlaus tends to carry his gold staff, Schmutzli is equipped with a broom of twigs to provide to parents for the kids who have not behaved through the year! The tradition derived from Perchtenlaufen, a German festival aimed at driving out demons. The tradition was initially in more remote parts of Switzerland where the two can be seen not with a giant sleigh and reindeer, but trudging on foot through the snow with a donkey.
We had our first Samichlaus encounter at the 2018 Saint-Ursanne Christmas Market. Children and parents flock to Samichlaus and Schmutzli where the kids are expected to sing Samichlaus a song or recite a poem while promising to be well behaved in the upcoming year. In years and decades past, there were tellings of children who had been trapped in Schmutzli’s bag and kidnapped which is perhaps people here seem to be so incredibly well mannered and stick to their rules.
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I'm a US expat, blogging photographer and world-traveler who may or may not like tequila a bit too much.