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Silvesterklausen

The most famous custom in the Swiss Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden is “Silvesterklausen”. It is mentioned in documents dating from as long ago as 1663. The custom celebrates the turn of the year once in accordance with the modern-day Gregorian calendar and once in accordance with the previously used Julian calendar. To this day, on 31 December and 13 January, the “Kläuse” (Santa Clauses) go from house to house in Urnäsch in groups of 6 persons known as “Schuppeln”, ringing their “Schellen” (cow bells) and “Rollen” (round, slotted bells), to wish the residents a happy New Year along with performing their magical “Zäuerli” (a natural yodel without words). The “Kläuse” attach great importance to imaginative and carefully designed attire (known as “Gröscht”), bonnets and hats.