Saint Nick Strikes Silver: Swissmint’s Festive Coin is Pure Christmas Cheer
On December 6, Switzerland comes alive with a festive pre-Christmas spirit as Samichlaus (St. Nicholas) processions light up streets across the country. To celebrate, the Swissmint is offering a beautifully detailed 2024 .99 fine silver 20-franc coin honoring this cherished tradition.
The traditional festival of St. Nicholas is fast approaching, and in Switzerland, particularly in Fribourg and Central Switzerland, as well as in many towns and villages, this celebration takes on a very special magic. This year, Swissmint is honoured to present a special coin to mark this time-honoured tradition.
Swissmint
The celebration of Saint Nicholas, known locally as Samichlaus, is a tradition observed annually on December 6th. On this day, Samichlaus, donned in a red robe reminiscent of a bishop's attire, often accompanied by his helper Schmutzli, visits children to reward good behavior with treats such as nuts, mandarins, and chocolates. This custom marks the beginning of the festive season across the country.
A highlight of these celebrations is the various Samichlaus processions held in different regions, each with its unique customs.
Klausjagen in Küssnacht am Rigi is perhaps the most renowned procession. This event takes place on the eve of December 5th. The procession features up to 200 'Iffelen'—intricately crafted, illuminated headpieces resembling stained-glass windows—carried through the streets. Participants include Trychler (cowbell ringers) and Geisselchlöpfer (whip-crackers), creating a vibrant and noisy spectacle intended to drive away evil spirits.
A visit from Samichlaus.
Kinderregion
During Fribourg's Saint Nicholas Parade, up to 30,000 people follow Saint Nicholas on horseback, accompanied by torchbearers, brass bands, and choirs, through the old town's illuminated streets. The procession concludes at St. Nicholas Cathedral, where the saint delivers a speech reflecting on the past year and promoting community values.
Zurich's Samichlaus Parade is held annually on the last Sunday of November. This parade features numerous individuals dressed as Samichlaus, distributing sweets to children along Bahnhofstrasse, marking the onset of the Advent season.
These processions are more than mere spectacles; they are deeply rooted in Swiss culture, fostering community spirit and preserving traditions passed down through generations. They offer a glimpse into Switzerland's rich heritage and the communal joy that characterizes the festive season.
Swissmint’s design captures the ethos of this heartwarming celebration. As Jan Niklas Betz, Swissmint’s deputy general manager and head of marketing, notes, "The festive period and especially Samichlaus Day are a time of togetherness and magic for young and old in Switzerland. Our aim with this coin is to create our own little Christmas miracle and put a smile on people’s faces."
This coin is a perfect tribute to the holiday season and encapsulates the legacy of Switzerland’s treasured tale of Samichlaus.
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