Trychlen in the Oberhasli - 26th - 28th December 2012

Already in the morning, small groups of schoolboys meet; they carry cow bells and "Trycheln", the ringing of which is brought into rhythym by drums beating. These drums do not beat any military march, however, but this unforgettable "Trychel"-march, which every real Oberhasler has in his blood, and the effects of which are very contagious: it forces a slow, almost dance-like, sliding step, while the torso sings rhythmically, to swing the bell. And so it goes up and down the narrow streets for hours - in tact, days - on end.

The custom is very old. Its roots probably lie in those times when, around the solstice, the people tried to drive out the spirits of the old year. If it were ever to start to fade, all that would be needed to rekindle twice as much interest would be a suggestion that it would be banned: for anyone who has spent any time at all in the Haslital (maybe even only a holiday) will understand that the week before New Year cannot be the same without Trycheln.