12 hours ago
People just finding out unusual way new babies are celebrated in Switzerland
It is always fun to celebrate when a loved one welcomes a baby and people are just realising a sweet way that people in Switzerland announce the news and name of a little one
It is always exciting when one of our friends or family members welcomes a little one into the world. From baby showers to 'welcome to the world' parties, gifts, balloons, cards, and more there are plenty of ways that we celebrate the amazing news across the world. However, people are just realising the sweet way that babies in Switzerland are welcomed.
It comes as recently, people travelling to Switzerland began to notice signs around the country with an animal or character on, a name and a date of birth - and wondering what it symbolises. An Australian woman, who has moved to Switzerland, has been sharing interesting insights she has discovered since moving.
The mum, who as Aussie Spat Mum online, shared a video of the signs and said: "In Switzerland, when a baby is born, the whole village gets the news... literally!"
She added: "Birth signs with the baby's name and date of birth pop up on buildings, balconies and front yards to welcome the newest little one!"
The announcements are known as 'Geburtstafeln' which are essentially birth signs, typically displayed on a pole or tree. It is typically put up until family and friends come round to celebrate the new baby, and then it is taken down.
Commenting on the Instagram post, one individual said: "Let me share how it's done in central Switzerland: you get them from friends, family, godparents or your "verein". After one year, the parents are supposed to take them down with a "Täfelifescht". This means you organize a BBQ or similar social gathering event where all the people are invited who got you a sign."
One Swiss man added: "We use this as an open competition for the worst baby names."
While another person said: "I need to experience this land of joy and happiness."
Someone else said they also use the tradition in the Netherlands, while another added: "In Germany some people show it by hanging newborn clothes or a little wooden stork outside as well."
On Reddit, another individual said: "I live in Nidwalden, close to Lucerne and they're so normal here that it's seen as odd when people don't do it. They're called 'Geburtstafeln', so literally 'birth signs'. They are hanged on the balcony when a child is born and they have the name of the child and its birth date written on them."
Another wrote: "This is common in Switzerland especially in the German speaking part. They have this & later on the kids keep them."
Someone else pointed out that they used to do this in the US more than they do now, but "police recommend against it because it puts your child at risk of abduction."
On Facebook, Welcome Switzerland wrote: "In Switzerland, welcoming a newborn means more than just cards and social media posts!
"Families proudly announce the arrival with cute front yard signs, especially in rural areas! Does your country have a unique way to celebrate new arrivals?"
According to website Geburtstafeln Schweiz, these signs can be quite expensive, costing between £90 and £120 for one.
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