Samichlaus Tag

Today is December 6th - St. Nicholas Day or better known as Samichlaus Tag here in the German speaking region of Switzerland. There are many variations as to how this day is celebrated, even within this area. Essentially it is believed that St. Nick, or Samichlaus, resides in the Black Forest of Germany. He travels into town with his companion Schmutzli and some donkeys. Menancing Schmutzli is there as sort of as Samichlaus's "back up," so if you've been deemed to be a bad kid then you perhaps get beaten and thrown into Schmutzli's burlap bag. Now from here you're either thrown into the river and drown or taken back into the Black Forest and comdemned to manual labor and making toys. Nice huh? No wonder all the Swiss kiddies are terrified.
If you have been good, and/or were able to repeat a poem or rhyme for Samichlaus, then you are given a treat. This has taken the form of a whole bag of goodies ranging from nuts, dried fruit, tangerines, sweetbread, cookies, and chocolates. Matt's work has again this year given this traditional treat bag out to the employee's accompanied with a well wishing for the holiday season.
While many of the towns including Zürich host parades, another very important aspect to the day includes charity. The group called St. Niklausengesellschaft carry out the true spirit of St. Nicholas by collecting donations and distributing them to those children or elderly in need.
Samichlaus Tag is one of the many great ways the holidays are celebrated here in Switzerland and it's been great getting to known the tradition a little better.

Matt's Samichlaus treat bag he received today from work