We have always been pretty low key when it comes to New Year's celebrations, and this year was no exception. We knew that there was a large fireworks show in downtown Zurich, expected to draw 200,000 people and start at midnight. Sorry, I turn into a pumpkin by that time.
Instead we woke to the house shaking, and lights flashing into every window. Was Switzerland suddenly in the middle of a war? Unlikely. Nope, it's just how everyone celebrates here. We lost count with 7 different groups of neighbors shooting off large fireworks. That was only one side of the house! The church bells rang for 30 minutes, people were standing on their rooftops. There we were, the dopey Americans in our jammies on the porch. Even the local Aldi sells massive four foot long fireworks. It was a pyromaniacs dream.
They have interesting New Years traditions here. New Year's Eve is known as "St. Sylvester's Day" and the last person to rise out of bed in the morning is supposed to awaken to the shouts of "Sylvester!". We did not partake in that tradition, but any tradition that includes baked products, we're in !
On January 6th, or "three kings day", you buy a "Dreikoenigskuchen" at the local grocery store, a ring of buns with a buttery sweet topping. In one of the buns is a plastic king, and whoever finds the king and does not require a trip to the local dentist is "king for the day" and everyone has to follow their command. Samantha was king, and here she is ordering her sister to bring her a napkin, with a appropriate look of disdain for all who are not royalty.
This is a lot like an Epiphany cake, except they sell these rolls with the crowns, and people wear them around. Tom got one at work too, but he already tells everyone what to do!
In Germany I saw two different sets of children dressed like the wise men, distributing gifts early in the morning January 6th. Apparently it is a two day holiday in Germany. I am willing to go along with another holiday, especially if it includes baked goods!
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