Silvesterchlausen

Customs and traditions have always been an important part of society. They convey a sense of home and connection, but also tell stories of conventions. This is particularly true for the New Year's Eve Chlausen: initially banned, gradually tolerated, and ultimately promoted. Germanist and historian Johannes Schläpfer has meticulously researched this Appenzell custom and now presents a long-overdue updated overview. Through geographic distribution, he demonstrates how neither prohibitions and restrictions imposed by authorities nor war events or pandemics could make the New Year's Eve Chlausen disappear. On the contrary.