St. Berchtold's Day
Guide to the date, history, cultural origins and celebration traditions of St. Berchtold's Day in Switzerland.
History & Origins of St. Berchtold's Day
St. Berchtold's Day, observed on January 2nd primarily in Switzerland, is a traditional holiday dating back to the 14th century. Historically, it commemorates the founding of the city of Bern by Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen in 1191. Legend says he went hunting and named the city after the first animal he killed, which was a bear (Bär).
How It Is Observed & Celebrated
Swiss families celebrate by participating in community gatherings, eating traditional nut-based cakes, and children participating in local 'Chlaus' parades where they dress in folk costumes and carry cowbells.
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