Last night our neighborhood celebrated Räbechilbi
(the festival of lights). I have read that this was a way to celebrate the last crop being planted before winter. I have heard other legends as well but can't confirm any just yet.
To celebrate this annual tradition, children march through the streets carrying turnips they or most likely their parents carved. At the end of the parade everyone congregates to listen to the children (accompanied by a small orchestra) sing a few songs. Then we head back to the local primary school for pretzels and gluhwein courtesy of the Eltenrat (aka the PTA in the States). Nothing hits the spot more on a chilly night than gluhwein. This was our first year actually walking in the procession and we all really enjoyed it!
Our turnips do not do this tradition justice so I have included photos from other parades as well. We need at least a few more years to get the hang of it.
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| I made more "blank" turnips for a playdate the day after our parade. Grace's friends loved decorating more. |
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| image via momstotszurich.blogspot.com |
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| image via momstotszurich.blogspot.com |
1 comment:
Wow! The Swiss really mean business with their turnips. I guess that is the equivalent to carving pumpkins...
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