St. Nicholas of Flüe in Switzerland

When did the St. Nicholas of Flüe in Switzerland start?

The first recorded date of St. Nicholas of Flüe in Switzerland being celebrated on September 25 was in the year 1417.

About St. Nicholas of Flüe in Switzerland Holiday

Greetings St. Nicholas of Flüe, Switzerland!

Welcome to the most beautiful of all villages, located in the heart of Switzerland’s lush landscape. St. Nicholas of Flüe is a picturesque place filled with stunning scenery and a unique history. Home to vineyards, snow-capped peaks, and peaceful lakes, St. Nicholas of Flüe is an ideal place to spend a holiday break.

Nestled in the Eastern part of Switzerland, St. Nicholas of Flüe is a quaint village with a population of about 500 people. It’s a great place to stay, as it’s close to the city and easy to get around. With its variety of activities, from walking and swimming to skiing, St. Nicholas of Flüe has something for everyone.

End your holiday vacation in St. Nicholas of Flüe and make an unforgettable memory by exploring the area’s history. It was here, in 1467, that Saint Nicholas of Flüe, Switzerland's patron saint, was born. Trace his spiritual journey with a visit to the pilgrimage church that commemorates him or visit his cell in the town’s Franciscan Monastery.

Allow St. Nicholas of Flüe to provide a respite from the hustle and bustle of life. You won't regret spending your holiday here in the serene Swiss Alps.

St. Nicholas of Flüe in Switzerland

History and Origin

St. Nicholas of Flüe or sometimes referred to as Brother Klaus, was a Swiss hermit, recluse, and mystic. He was born on the 21st of March 1417 in the canton of Schwyz when modern day Switzerland was known as the Old Swiss Confederacy. Growing older, Brother Klaus became a victim of the Melanchthon psychosis which caused his personality to become progressively more aloof and introverted. He had a strong faith and felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to his community. He interacted with those around him, although mainly to try and prevent conflicts and promote harmony.

Brother Klaus left behind a legacy of wisdom, written in the form of letters and spiritual directional guidance. He was most notably known for his efforts to bring an end to the Old Zürich War and for advocating neutrality. On the 25th of March 1487 St. Nicholas of Flüe died at the age of 70, and was later canonized by the Catholic Church.

Therefore, St. Nicholas of Flüe or ‘Klausjagen’ (Hunt of St. Nicholas) is celebrated on the 25th of March in Svwyz. The holiday is a celebration of Brother Klaus’s greatness and his peacekeeping attitude, and is characterized by a gateway procession of men in disguise, dancing, singing and ringing bells.

Significance and Meaning

The holiday of St. Nicholas of Flüe is only celebrated in the canton of Schwyz, however this doesn’t lessen its significance. For the people of the canton, the holiday is an important reminder of the values of peace and harmony. Brother Klaus played an integral role in uniting the canton during a time of division, and his legacy is not taken lightly.

The holiday marks the day Brother Klaus passed on, which adds an additional weighty meaning to the holiday. It is a reminder of mortality and an invitation to reevaluate our lives and beliefs. “The greatest gift is life, and we honour Brother Klaus and his wisdom by carrying his legacy and promoting his beliefs,” says a representative from a local church.

Traditions and Celebrations

Hunt of St. Nicholas is the most noticeable tradition on the day of the holiday. It features men and boys, wearing masks of animals and birds, bearing various bells, and playing drums and pipes as they travel through the streets of the town. Legend has it that Brother Klaus predicted that his spirit will come to the village in the disguise of wild animals.

The similarities between the night of Hunt of St.
Nicholas and modern day Halloween are uncanny. Men in disguise, carrying bells and singing in the streets is traditionally done during the hunt. Another interesting part of the procession are the ‘Nicholhöisen’, men dressed in yellow ‘Nicholhöisen’ garb, who accompany the hunters and act as a representation of Brother Klaus.

An additional tradition that runs in tandem of the Hunt of St. Nicholas is the cooperative nature of the people of the canton. All of the activities on St. Nicholas of Fle are done collectively and it is not uncommon to see entire families take part in the festivities, or whole neighbourhoods coming together for the celebrations.

Geographical Spread

The holiday of St. Nicholas of Flüe is exclusive to the canton of Schwyz. Although there are some regional differences in the way the holiday is celebrated, overall the spirit remains the same.

The tradition of the Hunt of St. Nicholas is definitely the most prominent aspect of the holiday. The hunt is led by the ‘Nicholhöisen’, who are a representation of Brother Klaus, and roam through the streets during the evening singing, blowing bells and playing drums. These parades take place in major towns in Schwyz, such as Altendorf, Küssnacht and Pfäffikon.

The holiday is also slightly different to its neighboring cantons in that there is a greater emphasis on collective activities. Towns such as Gersau, Engelberg and Ibach hold a yearly festival in honour of Brother Klaus, where people from throughout the canton gather together for festive celebrations.

Modern Day Observations

Despite Brother Klaus passing away 532 years ago, his legacy remains an integral part of Swiss culture, and the holiday of St. Nicholas of Flüe is as strong as ever.

One of the main changes made to the holiday in recent years is the way in which it is celebrated. While the Hunt of St. Nicholas remains an important aspect of the day, there is also a focus on outdoor activities, such as mountain hikes and biking. It is seen as a way to bring the community closer together and encourage physical activity.

New customs are also forming alongside the traditional ones. For example, in Gersau, the celebrations hang around the theme of a day of giving. This involves various groups and organizations donating gifts to those in need in commemoration of Brother Klaus and his generosity.

Intersting Facts or Trivia

• In 1993, Brother Klaus was made Switzerland’s national patron by Pope John Paul II.
• Brother Klaus is renowned for his peace-keeping efforts and his ability to bring the accusation to a peaceful resolution during the Old Zürich War.
• The Hunt of St. Nicholas is somewhat similar to the traditional Halloween festivities and is one of the oldest European traditions.
• The first record of the holiday is traced back to 1530 when it was written about by the Swiss writer Conrad Gessner.
• The traditional garb worn by the ‘Nicholhöisen’ is said to provide protection against bad spirits.
• During the holiday, natives of the canton come together to honour Brother Klaus in various ways, such as distributing gifts to the poor, baking special pastries in honour of him and providing meals for the less fortunate.
• Before the hunt begins, locals gather around the ‘Nicholhöisen’ to sing and dance as a way to pay tribute to Brother Klaus.
• The hunt usually begins at sunset and continues for several hours, after which the locals partake in a joyous feast.
• The ‘Nicholhöisen’ is a man in yellow garb, with animal hides covering his face and a large wooden staff in his hand.

Holiday Wishes

• Wishing you joy and happiness on St. Nicholas of Flüe.
• May the spirit of Brother Klaus be with you and guide you during times of reflection.
• May the legacy of Brother Klaus bring you peace and harmony.
• May harmony and understanding prevail amongst all during St. Nicholas of Flüe.
• May St. Nicholas of Flüe bring you strength and courage throughout the year.

Holiday Messages

• Join us in celebrating the timeless beliefs of Brother Klaus.
• Let us all come together and honour the memory of Brother Klaus.
• Reconnect with the spirit of Brother Klaus and use his teachings to strengthen your faith.
• The courage of Brother Klaus should serve as an example to us all.
• Brother Klaus dedicated his life for the betterment of the people of the canton of Schwyz, let us all strive to do the same.

Holiday Quotes

• “Vengeance oft times backfires and justice is undone” – Brother Klaus
• “All people should be judged by the kind of heart they possess” – Brother Klaus
• “The greatest gift is life, and we are given it as a blessing to share with others” – Brother Klaus
• “Courage and faith can move mountains” – Brother Klaus
• “The true measure of success is in how well you can love” – Brother Klaus

Other Popular Holiday Info

The holiday of St. Nicholas of Flüe is an example of the positive aspects of morality and religious strength that Swiss culture prides itself on. There are no gifts exchanged on the holiday, instead people focus their energies on charitable actions and coming together as a community. Brother Klaus also set a precedent for religiously-motivated homemaking, teaching the importance of broadening our horizons and devoting ourselves to the preservation of peace and understanding.

The holiday of St. Nicholas of Flüe is also intertwined with the culture of the Swiss as it is their oldest one and is still widely celebrated today. Apart from the Hunt of St. Nicholas tradition, locals also gather to share a meal and spend quality time with friends and family. The holiday is a reminder of the values of peace and understanding, values that are still of high importance in Swiss society today.