Some 3,000 gather for Swiss cowbell ringing festival
Rhythmic jingling, the clatter of whips or the solemn sounds of the alphorn: since Friday, the town of Schüpfen in canton Bern has been showcasing the full range of sounds and noises that Swiss folklore has to offer.
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Some 3,000 gather for Swiss cowbell ringing festival
Over 3,000 active Trychler, Treichler, Trinkler, Trichjer, Scheller, Einscheller, Sonneurs and Schellenders have travelled from all over Switzerland to attend the three-day Swiss National Scheller and Trychler Festival (a gathering to celebrate traditional Swiss cowbell ringing).
Following the ceremonial speeches, at which Swiss minister Albert Rösti is expected to speak, the Trychel groups will set off along two parade routes and send ringing through the tranquil Seeland village of Schüpfen.
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Bells and cowbells are used as noise-making instruments in many customs across the Alpine region. Often, the aim is to drive away evil spirits or attract good ones with the noise. Numerous noise-making customs take place during the dark winter months. Some are said to have their roots in pre-Christian times.
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