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Switzerland Easter Traditions - Historic
Switzerland has as many Easter traditions as regions. On Good Friday in Romont, « Les Pleureuses » wander the streets and mourn the death of Christ. In Val Müstair and Valais, children make noise with « Rätschen ». In Ticino's villages, Easter fires are lit and children then carry the fire, consecrated by priests, home in metal cauldrons for their own oven and stove. Bread and wine are distributed in Valais. Egg runs and egg ski races are organised. The «Zwänzgerle» is popular in Zurich. Children hold a hard-boiled egg for adults. The latter tries to throw a piece of 20 centime so that it gets stuck in the egg. If the coin bounces off, the child receives the coin, it gets stuck, the thrower gets the egg. But last but not least, egg colouring with the children at the kitchen table is a must, as is the Easter custom throughout Switzerland. (luk)
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