How the Swiss St. Nicholas tradition works

We have previously explained how Samichlaus and Schmutzli work in Switzerland. The town of Wil has its own peculiar St. Nicholas custom for December 6, and we have researched the ins and outs for you.

A quick history lesson about St. Nicholas

St. Nikolaus was a Saint with roots in Myra. He passed away on December 6 in the year 343. There are lots of accounts about this extraordinary bishop who was well known for his generosity. The modern-day St. Nicholas in Wil would tell one of the stories which is age-appropriate for the kids attending. "It seems clear that younger kids believe in Samichlaus, but we never claim to be St. Nicholas himself."

Changing times

In the old days, St. Nicholas and his helper were a feared couple. We still hear stories that they would rattle chains during visits, beat kids for misbehaving, or even put them into their sack only to be released in a nearby forest! This has changed over the years, and the couple now portraits friends of the children.

Today, St. Nicholas and Knecht Ruprecht will congratulate kids on their good behavior and try to induce improvements in other areas. According to Stefan Giezendanner, a 22-year veteran of the St. Nikolaus Gruppe Wil, cleaning up and better listening to parents are topics during most visits.

"Some grandparents are still threatening the kids with St. Nicholas, and we can sense this fear as soon as we enter the living room," he describes.

A typical St. Nicholas visit consists of:

• Telling one of the stories/legends of the holy St. Nicholas.
• Having discussions with each child on their accomplishments. Also: addressing behaviors that need improvement.
• Listening to poems or music, and wishing everybody a joyful holiday season.

In the end, Knecht Ruprecht will give out the goodies: Mainly nuts, oranges, sweets, gingerbreads, or small gifts. Some families with Italian roots celebrate a slightly different tradition and Knecht Ruprecht will have to carry lots of toys and gifts - almost like an American Santa.

St. Nicholas Festivities in Wil

In the Swiss town of Wil, the Jungwacht youth organization for boys has been in charge of upholding the St. Nicholas tradition since at least 1925. The group leaders continue to be the sole members of the St. Nikolaus Group, whereas newcomers have to first serve as Knecht Ruprecht.

They are only promoted to St. Nicholas once a vacancy becomes available (which can take up to ten years). In order to ensure skilled successors, St. Nicholas and Knecht Ruprecht will switch roles once in a while...

The highlight every year is the parade on the Saturday closest to December 6. At exactly 3 PM, all nine bells of the church in Wil will announce the arrival of all the St. Nicholas and their Knecht Ruprechts. After the parade, the kids can meet St. Nicholas close up, tell them a story and get a gingerbread...

Currently, the events are organized by 14 couples and 3 members who take care of the expensive clothes and the administration. They truly love this tradition and look forward to the "three greatest days of the year." During three days, they will visit about 200 families and 70 schools or other organizations!

"We have seen a positive trend during the last few years where families celebrate traditions in more meaningful ways. This shows in the way our visits are prepared, and a special atmosphere is created when we enter the living room."

"I can remember that during my first years, we were trained how to turn off the TV when we wanted to celebrate our visit. Our members have a dangerous job, as most parents reserve us a spot right by a fireplace... That's a huge temperature shock when coming from the freezing outside!" says Mr. Giezendanner.

"The long experience and training allow us to deal with almost every situation. But there are always surprises. One St. Nicholas could not stop a laughing attack because the violin play was really, really bad...", Giezendanner confesses. "Or one time, I wanted to wake up a lying cat and was told by the elderly couple that it had been deceased for a few hours!"

Regardless of the challenges, everyone involved agrees that the light in kids' eyes is a great reward for this volunteer work.

There are many associations that ensure the tradition of St. Nicholas in Switzerland. In regions with less catholic history, the men are dressed as Samichlaus and Schmutzli. But all have the same goal in mind: Keep the tradition alive, be a part of the advent season, and support the parents.

Ask them to come to visit your family. And with a bit of preparation, you will have a great St. Nicholas experience!