Thumbnail Image

Burning a 'Böögg' to Kick Off Spring in Zurich

Weekly Topic: What marks the start of spring in your culture?

Amy Jost

In Switzerland spring officially starts on March 1, but most Swiss consider the Spring Equinox (= when there are equal daylight and nighttime hours), on March 20, to be the start of the season. In Zuirch, Switzerland, they celebrate the start of the spring later during a festival called 'Sechseläuten'. It is a public holiday and the residents of the city meet downtown to set a 'Böögg' on fire.

This old tradition dates back to the 16th century. The belief is the amount of time it takes the enormous bonfire below the stuffed 'snowman' to burn it tells us how many more days of cold weather we will have that year.  

The Swiss have many festivals involving huge bonfires. They are always spectacular and a bit dangerous, too. My favorite are winter bonfire traditions, like the 'Chienbäse' in Liestal. There they pull very heavy bonfires through the small old city on wagons. It is both terrifying and amazing to witness.


If you're interested in discussing cultures, traditions and/or history, please book a lesson with me!

Added to Saved

This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

Comments (0)

Login to Comment Log in »
Recommend ribbon

from:

in:

Lesson Categories

Language Fluency

English   Native
German   Fluent
Japanese   Just a few words
Spanish   Just a few words
Hebrew   Just a few words
Thai   Just a few words
Chinese   Just a few words
Vietnamese   Just a few words
Italian   Just a few words

Amy Jost's Most Popular Columns

  • Swimming in Alpine Lakes

    When I moved to Europe about 35 years ago, I was amazed by the clean and inviting water of Alpine l...

    Amy Jost

    Amy Jost

    0
    3167
    Apr 8, 2024
  • Recycle, Reuse and Reduce

    Earth Day is a day on which we should think about our home, planet Earth. We should always consider...

    Amy Jost

    Amy Jost

    0
    3143
    Apr 22, 2024
  • Local spas are just the ticket

    Spring Break in Europe is very different to the Spring Breaks I experienced as an American. There I...

    Amy Jost

    Amy Jost

    0
    2965
    Apr 1, 2024
  • It's sweater weather!

    What I love about the fall is getting out into the fresh, often cool air outdoors. But to enjoy tha...

    Amy Jost

    Amy Jost

    0
    2526
    Sep 30, 2024
« Back to List of Tutor's Column
Got a question? Click to Chat