Getting to know Swiss culture better: 6 interesting facts

The culture of the small Alpine country is strongly influenced by the cultures of its neighbouring countries - France, Italy and Germany. This is evidenced by the fact that the main languages of these three countries, French, Italian and German, are three of the four official languages of Switzerland (the fourth is Romansh). In addition, the country has 26 cantons, each with its own customs and traditions. Chocolate, cheese, cow bells, clocks and the Swiss army knife are well-known symbols of Switzerland.

Social beliefs and customs of Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world and most of its citizens live a high standard of living, with a large part of the population being made up of an affluent middle class. However, it is worth noting that 80% of private assets are concentrated in the hands of just 20% of the country's wealthiest residents. In the past, Swiss society was patriarchal, with a clear division of roles between men and women, but today these distinctions are gradually disappearing. Marriage is now consensual, cohabitation before marriage is commonplace, and divorce and remarriage are no longer uncommon.

Although women's level of education and emancipation still lagged behind that of men, the situation was gradually improving. While traditional Swiss families were large, modern families tend to consist of a small number of members. In Swiss society, respect for privacy is valued and it is customary to behave courteously in social interactions.

Clothing in Switzerland

Traditional Swiss clothing is varied and highly dependent on the region, with notable differences between cantons. Swiss national costume is based on the clothes traditionally worn by peasants and reflects the characteristics of each region. While the Swiss aristocracy dressed almost identically to the nobility of neighbouring countries, peasant clothing had its own unique style. Men's traditional costume in Switzerland was quite simple and similar in different parts of the country. In mountainous areas, men often wore leather shorts, which were convenient for travelling when hiking, climbing and hunting.

Men living in the plains usually wore long-sleeved shirts, breeches or trousers with woollen socks or tights, and a hat. The traditional clothing of Swiss women is characterised by femininity: these include brightly coloured dresses with puffed sleeves, complemented by aprons, hats and embroidered bags. Other styles include a corset with a long skirt and apron. Such outfits are usually complemented with bright and fashionable jewellery.

Music and dance of Switzerland

Switzerland is home to world-famous composers such as Franck Martin, Arthur Honegger and Othmar Scheck. Another prominent musician and composer from Switzerland, Andreas Vollenweider, has received international recognition and a Grammy Award for his mastery of harp music. Switzerland hosts renowned music events such as the Lucerne and Verbiese festivals, which are dedicated to classical music, as well as the famous Montreux Jazz Festival. The Swiss folk metal band Eluveitie has also gained international recognition.

Public dancing in Switzerland used to be allowed only on special occasions, but after the Second World War these restrictions were lifted and dancing became a popular pastime. Today, traditional dances such as the waltz, foxtrot and polka are popular among the Swiss, as well as modern styles such as breakdancing, salsa and rock and roll. Organisations such as Trachtenvereine actively preserve Swiss folk dances by performing them at folk festivals and other cultural events.

Literature and art

Switzerland does not have a single national language, so the country's literature is written in French, German, Romansh and Italian. Notable Swiss writers include novelist Robert Walser, novelist and traveller Annemarie Schwarzenbach, playwright and novelist Friedrich Dürrenmatt, and essayists Max Frisch and Peter Bichsel. Carl Spitteler and Hermann Hesse, both from Switzerland, were awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1919 and 1946 respectively.

The fine arts in Switzerland were heavily influenced by 16th-century Protestantism. Internationally renowned Swiss artists include Samuel Hieronymus Grimm, Alberto Giacometti, sculptor Jean Tinguely, known for his moving sculptures made of scrap metal, and painter Paul Klee. Switzerland was also the birthplace of the Dada movement at the beginning of the 20th century. The country is rich in art museums with extensive art collections.

Wood carving is a popular craft in Switzerland, which is used to decorate household items and homes. Swiss embroidery is also famous and often used to decorate traditional clothing. Watchmaking is not to be forgotten either - many Swiss watch brands produce pieces that can be worth significant sums.

Religions and festivals in Switzerland

Switzerland has no official state religion, although the majority of the population is Christian. However, church attendance has gradually declined over the years. Despite this, most cantons recognise the Catholic Church or the Swiss Reformed Church. As of 2015, about 68% of the population is Christian, 23.9% are non-religious, 5% are Muslims, and the rest practise other religions. Holidays and celebrations may vary from canton to canton in Switzerland, but Christian holidays and festivals are traditionally celebrated in a big way. Swiss National Day, which is celebrated on 1 August, is a secular holiday and is celebrated throughout the country.

Sport in Switzerland

Sport is an important part of most Swiss people's lives. The most popular sports in the country are ice hockey and football. Switzerland has repeatedly hosted major international sporting events such as the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics and the 1954 FIFA World Cup. Switzerland's winter sports centres attract both professional athletes and tourists from all over the world. Alpine skiing, sledging, ski jumping and curling are among the most popular winter sports in the country. Mountaineers also flock to Switzerland to conquer its mountain peaks.

Switzerland is home to 12 ice hockey teams in the National League, and until 2017, it hosted the Ice Hockey World Cup ten times. The Swiss national football team has participated in seven FIFA World Cups and two UEFA European Championships. The country is also the headquarters of FIBA and has a long tradition of participating in basketball matches. Rugby is also popular among the Swiss. Tennis players Martina Hingis and Roger Federer have brought Switzerland international recognition in the world of tennis. Driving, cycling, golf and sailing are also Swiss favourites. Among the traditional Swiss sports are Steinstossen (stone throwing), Schwingen (Swiss wrestling) and Hornussen, a sport that combines elements of golf and baseball.

Conclusion

Immersing yourself in Swiss culture is a journey into a world where tradition is respected but not standing still, and the harmony between the old and the new gives this country its unique character. Switzerland is living proof that even on a small scale, it is possible to achieve an amazing cultural richness and diversity.