Assumption Day in Switzerland – Ultimate Guide for Travelers
Switzerland is a magical place that attracts thousands of holidaymakers with its incredible destinations and fascinating festivals. One such festival that will take place in August is the Assumption Day in Switzerland. When you actually go to Switzerland and see what this festival has in store for you, you will literally get bamboozled. Think – Cobblestone streets, freshly baked pastries and melodious sounds of the church bells. But, what is this festival all about? Why should you visit Switzerland to enjoy this magical celebration? Read on to know all about it!
What is Assumption Day in Switzerland?
Assumption Day is an incredible festival in Switzerland that takes place on August 15th of each year. This public holiday is a significant religious and cultural celebration that many locals and people throughout the world enjoy!
Another name of this celebration is Feast of the Assumption of Mary. As the name implies, this is a Christian festival. During this time, Swiss Catholics celebrate the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken bodily into the heaven at the end of her earthly life. So, when you get a Switzerland Visa from UK to go to Switzerland to see this amazing festival, get ready to witness fascinating candlelit processing and an amazing ambience of village fairs!
What is the History of the Assumption of Mary?
When you go deeper into the origins of this festival, you will be surprised to know that this celebration is deeply rooted in Christian traditions. These customs date way back to the early centuries.
Although it is not clearly stated in the Bible, many believe that Mary’s body assumed or ascended into heaven. This fundamental notion has been generally accepted as part of Catholic and Orthodox teachings for centuries.
If you try to pin point the origin, it can be traced to the 4th century. During those days, many early writers of Christianity and theologians began to discuss the end of the earthly life of Mary. They also speculated about the unique role that Mary had as the mother of Jesus.
A couple of centuries later, the celebration of feast of Assumption started. It was widely celebrated in the Eastern Church. The popularity of the festival was such that it eventually spread to the Western Church as well.
Dogma of the Assumption of Mary
The Dogma of the Assumption of Mary is essentially a primary or a fundamental belief in the Catholic Church.
As mentioned earlier, the discussions around assumption started in the 4th century. But, this belief system was actually declared as a dogma (fundamental belief) on 1st November, 1950 by the Pope Pius XII.
By making it a dogma, the Pope formalized the long-held notion that Mary assumed her body and soul into celestial glory.
According to the dogma, after finishing her life on earth, Mary entered heaven in both body and soul. Although, it is not humanly possible, you will be fascinated to know that Mary may have been granted a special privilege. This was done as she had a unique role as the Mother of Jesus. The Church also teaches that the assumption is a foreshadow to the resurrection of all the Christians during the end times.
While this belief system is limited to the Catholics, the celebrations of the Assumption day reach far more than just them. You will find it interesting that many Non-Catholics also take part in the festivities. They too appreciate the incredible traditions and the spirit of community that the celebrations bring!
Popular Celebrations of Assumption Day in Switzerland
1). Public Holiday and Exciting Festivities
The Assumption Day is a public holiday in Switzerland. This means that you will find most shops, offices and schools closed. However, this also implies that you can see local and visitors joining together to take part in the celebrations.
Some of the festivities that you will love are the special church services and processions. Apart from this, you will also come across some magical outdoor celebrations that showcase a beautiful fusion of Swiss culture and traditions.
2). Zermatt’s Folklore Festival
As the name of the festival implies, the festival is usually celebrated in the charming town of Zermatt. You will be glad to know that the dates of this festival and the Assumption Day coincide. This festival is usually celebrated during the second weekend of August.
On this day, the streets of Zermatt come alive with some amazing parades. These parades usually feature folk music, traditional costumes and exciting dance performances.
The festival is a perfect fusion of cultural celebrations and religious observance. But, the best part of this festival is the stunningly beautiful backdrop of the Matterhorn!
3). Fascinating Swiss Rural Celebrations of Assumption of Mary
Another great way to see the celebrations of Assumption Day is in the rural areas of Switzerland. In many areas, you will see celebrations that include blessing of herbs and flowers. Apart from this, people also bring bouquets to the church for blessing. Many locals in the Switzerland believe that doing this tradition will bring good fortune and health. You will also be amazed to know that many of the locals and families keep these herbs throughout the year in their home!
Tips for Travelers Visiting Switzerland for Assumption Day
Plan Ahead – One of the major things that will happen during this day is the closure of businesses. So, make sure to book your stays or restaurants in advance for a hassle-free trip.
2). Respect Local Customs – If you plan to attend religious services, dress modestly. Also, attempt to learn the local etiquettes so that you can blend in with the crowd.
3). Use Public Transport – If you are new to Switzerland then make sure to strictly use public transport. This will allow you to conveniently navigate Switzerland.
4). Try Local Specialties – Many regions of the Switzerland have delightful foods that are specially prepared during the Assumption day. So, ask around and try out those delicious treats during your trip.
Conclusion
The Assumption of Mary celebrations in Switzerland are a treat to watch. They are an incredible combination of spiritual devotion, richness of culture and pure joy of festivities!
When you go to Switzerland to see this celebration, you will be captivated to see centuries-old celebrations come back to life. During this time, many towns and villages of Switzerland get magically transformed into fairy tale places. So, what is holding you back? Book your Switzerland visa appointment today to kick start your preparations for taking part in the Assumption Day in Switzerland!
FAQs
Yes, Assumption Day is a public holiday in Switzerland but not across all of the country. Only cantons that are primarily catholic regions i.e., 16 out of 26 have Assumption day as a public holiday.
Yes, non-catholic can also take part in the Assumption day celebrations.Although the festival has religious roots in the Catholic Christianity, locals and travelers of all backgrounds can observe can participate in the festival respectfully.
Some locations start the festivities the evening before August 15, even though August 15 is the primary celebration day. In some areas, connected events could take place over a few days, making it into a mini-festival.
