Samichlaus Picnic - 2009

About Samichlaus The Man in Red In Switzerland, the tradition of Santa Claus is somewhat different from the norm. Though he looks the same as Santa Claus, the Samichlaus (originally  Sankt Nikolaus) does not bring the presents at Christmas. Rather, he appears  on the 6th of December. Children visit the Samichlaus with their parents to be  judged and recite poems that they've learned. Enter Schmutzli Samichlaus is accompanied by a helper called Schmutzli (from "schmutzig" -  dirty). He is dressed in the same garments as the Samichlaus, but his are in  black or brown. He wears a black beard and is smeared with dirt. The entire  thing is set up as a kind of Good Cop Bad Cop routine. While the Samichlaus  praises the kids who have been good, Schmutzli takes the naughty kids, puts  them into his bag and carries them away. This makes for a practical way for  parents to make their kids behave well: "Be good or Schmutzli will carry you  off in his bag!" Fear not for the Swiss children. Described above is the original form.  Nowadays Schmutzli is purely ornamental or even left out completely. And  anyway, the children always came back after being carried away. Supper The evening meal on the 6th traditionally consists of a man-shaped bread  (called Grittibänz), oranges, mandarins, walnuts, peanuts (with the shells), Lebkuchen, butter and chocolates. A smart tradition, considering that the fruit  contain vitamin C, which is important in winter. Though most people do it  because it's fun. Date Sunday 6 December Time Starts at 11am finishes at 5pm. Where Perry Lakes Underwood Avenue Floret Map Samichlaus will arrive around 2pm For Sale: Cervelats, Bratwurst, Drinks and  “Nussgipfel” Reservation of Samichlaus Bags is Essential!!! Donations of homemade cakes and Christmas cookies for sale would be  appreciated!!!!! Come along & join the fun!