Customs

As if time had stood still – year in, year out

There is no other region in Switzerland where tradition and customs are experienced as intensely in daily life as in the Appenzellerland. The locals wear a ‘Kranzrock’ (traditional skirt), cameo jewellery and ‘Mailändertuch’ (Milanese scarf) to the ‘Stobete’, the traditional dance with a string music ensemble. As from mid-May the herdsmen, wearing their traditional costume, drive their animals to the Alpine pastures. In autumn the most beautiful cows are crowned at the cattle shows. Our customs accompany us year in, year out.

Silvesterchlausen

On 31 December and 13 January, «Old New Year's Eve», the «Chläuse» make their way around the Appenzell hinterland. The origin and meaning of this ancient custom are the subject of speculation, because few written documents exist.

Urnäscher Bloch

The Bloch is a peculiar carnival custom. A tree-trunk, expertly bound to a decorated waggon, is hauled in a procession through several villages.

Buebebloch

Every year on the actual «Blochmontag» or Monday after Ash Wednesday, the boys of Hundwil, Stein and Schwellbrunn haul their «Bloch» or tree-trunk through the villages.

Gidio Hosestoss

On Ash Wednesday a straw effigy of Gidio Hosestoss, who choked to death on a stolen cookie, is laid on a waggon and a carnival procession takes him to his funeral.

Funkensonntag

On Bonfire Sunday Gidio is burnt in a huge bonfire lit in a suitable place.

Landsgemeinde

In closest proximity to the government on the «big chair», the elder members of the rural community, seated on a bench, will be able to follow the events of the meeting and to cast their vote.

Alpfahrt and Alpabfahrt

Even today, the journey to and from the alpine pastures remains a red-letter day in farming life. The long trek up the mountain begins in the small hours, maybe around three a.m.

Fronleichnam

«Öse Herrgottstaag» (Our Lord's Day) is the name given to the Feast of Corpus Christi in Appenzell.

Alpstobete

During the summer alpine season, lively dances are held which are popular with locals and visitors alike.

Appenzell music

The musical tradition of Appenzell takes on many different forms . Music for strings played in its original setting (two violins, dulcimer, cello and double bass) is particularly important; an accordion and a piano are also present in some musical ensembles.

Betruf

During the summer, the evening prayer is still sung out over certain Alpine pastures. The herdsman stands where his voice will carry and calls out the prayer in a singsong, amplified through a funnel, asking for the blessing of God and the intercession of the saints on the pasture and the land.

Viehschau

Individual cattle shows are held in the various villages of Ausserrhoden, while in Innerrhoden the Cantonal Cattle Show takes place in Appenzell at the beginning of October.