Traditions represent a critical part of any culture or family. Our move to Switzerland helped me understand the valuable role traditions and customs play in our identity.

The celebration of traditions

Traditions tell a story of where we came from and remind us of the aspects that helped shape our lives. During family or cultural celebrations, we can reflect on the things that matter. We also have the opportunity to say thank you for the contribution someone has made. It connects generations when families come together and reconnect with friends. This feeling of unity and belonging is a precious way to create lasting memories.

Our exposure to other cultures gives me a sincere appreciation for the traditions, and I try to learn and understand more about them. I also cherish South African traditions more. You are welcome to read about our Braai tradition in Switzerland in another letter. Every cup of rooibos tea or traditional South African meal increases our longing. We crave rusks with our morning coffee and chutney with our curry and rice.

The Swiss tradition celebrating the cows coming from the mountains

The Swiss have many traditional celebrations, and we recently attended a spectacular one. During autumn, the cattle, sheep, goats, and alpacas come from the Alps to the villages for the winter months. The Swiss celebrate this descent of the cows’ event festively with market stalls, music, and delicious food. 

The cattle herders decorate the animals with seasonal flowers such as sunflowers, chrysanthemums, or dahlias. The people wear beautiful traditional Swiss clothes, sing yodel songs, and make music with the alphorn musical instruments.

We attended the Flimserstein festival. Early in the morning, the cattle herders moved down the spectacular rock walls of Flimserstein mountain with more than a hundred beautifully decorated cows. They arrived at Bargiz at lunch, where the villagers were waiting for them. After refreshments, they left again for Fidaz and Flims. Check out this video showing the descent of the cows, “Alpabzug”, at Flimserstein.

Our family get-together tradition

As a family, we have an annual week-long get-together tradition. Before we moved to Switzerland, we sometimes shared time in the Western Cape and other times in the Kalahari. During the Cape Town visits, Ansa’s children experienced the city. We visited historical places, white beaches, strawberry farms, and craft shops. At home, they played on our lawn and created their games.

During our Kalahari visits, my children experienced the farm. From the back of the bakkie, we watched the Kudu’s and Springboks, cooled down in the farm dam and admired the Kalahari sunsets.

As a family, we have agreed to maintain our annual get-together tradition, despite living abroad. However, Covid deprived us of the privilege for two years. We are planning a special family celebration along the banks of the Orange River in December 2021. A recent note from Marga, my sister’s daughter, reminded me again of the preciousness of this tradition through her eyes. She wrote:

Regards

Emsia