Who is Samichlaus? 6 December in Switzerland
The Samichlaus is the Swiss Santa Claus. On 6 December he visits children, who recite a little poem, a Versli, and he gives out mandarins, nuts and chocolate. He comes with his helper, Schmutzli.
Ep. 21 · Ding or Clonk? · 56 seconds. Watch
The real rule
Why the Swiss laugh, and what it means if you're new here.
On 6 December the Samichlaus, the Swiss Santa, visits children with his helper Schmutzli. Children recite a little poem, a Versli, and get mandarins, nuts and chocolate. As a newcomer with children, expect it at school, in your street or at the door, and help them learn a Versli.
Blüemli's verdict: Ding. Every 6 December. The Samichlaus brings mandarins, nuts and chocolate.
SCHMUTZLI: the Samichlaus's helper; in a dark brown robe, with a sack Ueli's Word
Be like Ueli. Learn your Versli.
Learn more: Swiss Mythos
The rule, explained
In Switzerland, 6 December belongs to the Samichlaus. The Swiss National Museum describes him as the Swiss Santa Claus who gives out mandarins, nuts and chocolates, after the children have recited their Versli, a short poem. He does not come alone. Schmutzli, his helper, wears a dark brown robe and carries a sack; swissinfo calls him the scary-looking alter ego of the Samichlaus. Naughty children, the old story goes, were once caught in Schmutzli's sack. Today he mostly carries the nuts.
Sources: Swiss National Museum blog, Christkind, or Samichlaus?; swissinfo, What Swiss Santas learn in class
Questions people ask
What happens on 6 December in Switzerland?
The Samichlaus visits. Children recite a Versli and get mandarins, nuts and chocolate.
Who is Schmutzli?
The Samichlaus's helper, in a dark brown robe, with a sack.
More episodes
Previous: Do you need health insurance in Switzerland? Next: Du or Sie at a Swiss office?