“Samichlaus”, “Saint-Nicolas”, “Son Niclao” – a custom as diverse as Switzerland itself

Red or white, that is the question. St. Nicholas roams the catholic areas dressed in a white bishop’s robe, accompanied by his helper “Schmutzli”. He reprimands children and rewards them with sweets, tangerines or nuts. The protestant St. Nicholas, on the other hand, wears a red coat and often carries a brushwood rod. The white-bearded one can also be seen in the company of a donkey that carries a gunny sack filled with presents.

The customs surrounding St. Nicholas are concentrated on the eve of St. Nicholas’ Day, but there are exceptions. In the Glarus Region, events start at the end of November, while in the Appenzeller Hinterland the custom lasts well into January. In these and other parts of Switzerland pre-Christian and Celtic traditions are maintained with much noise. For example, ringing bells and cracking whips are supposed to drive away evil spirits.