St. Nikolaus
We had this celebrate yesterday. :o)
As you all are aware, in Switzerland we celebrate Samichlaus on the 6th of December. It originates from the holy St. Nikolaus of Mira (nowadays in Turkey), who was a caring Bishop. He distributed all kind of goods to the poor and needy. In honor of St. Nikolaus, the Samichlaus distributes nice things to the children. He brings fruits, nuts and often a Grittibänz, a bread in the form of a man with legs slightly spread. There are many different names (and pronunciation) for this kind of bread; depending on the region it is either Grittibänz (Zurich area), Grätimaa (around Basel), Elggermaa (around Elgg in the canton of Zurich), Chlaus (coming from Nicolaus) oder petit bonhomme. In the 1930 this kind of bread was only known in the northwestern part, before it became known throughout Switzerland by the distribution of bakers and stores. Benz, or Bänz is the short form of the first name Benedikt. Gritti or Grätti is coming from the form of the legs (gegrätschte Beine, spread legs).
It is thought, that the custom of the Grittibänz is known since the 16th century, and of course it should represent St. Nikolaus.
As you all are aware, in Switzerland we celebrate Samichlaus on the 6th of December. It originates from the holy St. Nikolaus of Mira (nowadays in Turkey), who was a caring Bishop. He distributed all kind of goods to the poor and needy. In honor of St. Nikolaus, the Samichlaus distributes nice things to the children. He brings fruits, nuts and often a Grittibänz, a bread in the form of a man with legs slightly spread. There are many different names (and pronunciation) for this kind of bread; depending on the region it is either Grittibänz (Zurich area), Grätimaa (around Basel), Elggermaa (around Elgg in the canton of Zurich), Chlaus (coming from Nicolaus) oder petit bonhomme. In the 1930 this kind of bread was only known in the northwestern part, before it became known throughout Switzerland by the distribution of bakers and stores. Benz, or Bänz is the short form of the first name Benedikt. Gritti or Grätti is coming from the form of the legs (gegrätschte Beine, spread legs).
It is thought, that the custom of the Grittibänz is known since the 16th century, and of course it should represent St. Nikolaus.
posted by Yvonne's Place | 2:00 AM
3 Comments:
Hi Yvonne!
I hope your celebrations went well for you! Do you also celebrate Christmas in Switzerland on the 25th like we do here in the UK?
Alison
x
Hi Alison
We celebrate Christmas on the evening from the 24th December.:o) That's the reason, we have 24 door's on the adventcalendar in Switzerland. Have you in the UK a adventcalendar?
Hugs!
Yvonne
Oh yes we have an advent calender as well, me and Alfie both have one!
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