Neat or Nonsense?

"Sächsilüüte" is a traditional spring festival celebrated in Zurich, Switzerland. It usually takes place on the Sechseläutenplatz in the city center on the third Monday in April, which was yesterday. 

The term "Sächsilüüte" actually means the ringing of six o'clock, indicating the time when the bells of St. Peter's Church in Zurich chime to mark the end of the workday and the start of the festivities.

The origins of the Sächsilüüte date back to the 16th century when Zurich was a predominantly agricultural society. The holiday originally marked the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring. Farmers would gather in Zurich to celebrate the return of warmer weather and the start of the planting season.

One of the central features of the Sächsilüüte celebration is the burning of the "Böögg," a large snowman-like figure made of straw and cloth and filled with firework. Not firework, firework, more like firecracker petards.

Poor guy, he already looks pretty charred.

The time it takes for the Böögg's head to explode after the fire is lit is believed to predict the weather for the coming summer: a quick explosion means a warm, sunny summer, while a slow one means a cold, rainy one.

Last year, so in 2023, it took 57 minutes, which was a record. Talk about a slow burner. 

The accuracy of the Böögg's predictions for the weather has varied over the years. While it's a fun tradition, it's not scientifically reliable as a weather forecasting method. The time it takes for the Böögg's head to explode can be influenced by various factors such as wind conditions, the construction of the effigy, and the placement of the fireworks. Therefore, the prediction is more of a folkloric tradition rather than a precise meteorological forecast. 

Today, the Sächsilüüte festival has evolved into a lively and colorful event that includes parades, music, dancing, and traditional Swiss cuisine. It remains a cherished tradition in Zurich, drawing locals and visitors alike to celebrate the arrival of spring in a festive atmosphere.

During the Sächsilüüte Parade, members of the various guilds, or "Zünfte," in Zurich participate in a colorful procession through the city streets.

Each guild has its own distinct history, traditions, and attire. In the past, many of these guilds were exclusive to men, and therefore only male members were allowed to march in the Sächsilüüte Parade. However, in recent years, many of these guilds apparently have become more inclusive, allowing both men and women to participate.

Every year, the city center is cordoned off from public and private traffic for the parades. The streets, alleyways, squares and houses of Zurich's old town are decorated with numerous flags from Zurich's municipalities and guilds. Sächsilüüte is accompanied by a "Chilbi" a fun fair with amusement rides and market stalls spread throughout the city. In addition, after the fire has burned out, the festival participants can roast their sausages.

I have never watched on site myself. It's a big event, and as a person who isn't exactly tall, I usually can't see anything because there's typically a broad-shouldered bear-like man in front of me. That's why I like to watch it on TV at home, and that's where I took all the pictures from. So credits go to the cameramen and women from Swiss television. Thank you!

I must also admit that I have a somewhat divided view of this event. That's where today's title comes from: Neat or Nonsense?

You probably have to have grown up with this tradition to fully approve of it. Starting with the fact that women were excluded, or when you consider that the poor horses have to run around the burning pyre, accompanied by the banging and crashing of the petards in the Böögg...

All in all however - a party is a party. Right? And look, bakeries are doing a fabulous job contributing pastry to the festivities! Photo credit: Sophia, my friend who brought up the "Zurich Wordle" and even went into the city to find out yesterday's word: It was "HORSE". Very fitting!

PS: Guys, something incredible happened. Since I have to work today, Tuesday, I pre-wrote this post yesterday. I mean, what can go wrong, right? 

You know what can go wrong?

In 2024, for the first time ever, the Böögg was not set on fire.

Why? 

As the wind was too strong, the woodpile could not even be lit. The Böögg could withstand winds of up to a certain wind force, but the gusts were up to 80km/h, that's 50 miles per hour.

It was too great a safety risk because of the flying sparks, which could lead to mass panic. In addition, the wind direction kept changing.

There's a first time for everything... 

On a positive note:  Three guilds have now spoken out in favor of including women. Last year, only one guild had female members in its ranks.