Switzerland (Basel-Land) : public and bank holidays, closure of banks, stock exchanges, school vacations

School holidays :

Culture : The forests of Ettingen, Sulz and Gansingen are populated by scores of young men scavenging for foliage to tailor and dress themselves in. Fully disguised as bushes, they make their way back to the village. After the church service they roam the area, yelling and whooping. In many places the men show their respect by bowing, and the celebration is accompanied by heavy drinking. In earlier times it was the human bushes that were sunked in the fountain at the end of the festivities, but over time the tables have turned as those bushes began putting their attackers in the fountain instead. Nowadays they try to splash onlookers with wet branches.

Catholic or protestant : Seven weeks after Easter Monday -Marking the day the Holy Spirit entered the disciples left behind and the beginning of their ministry.

School holidays :

School holidays :

Secular holiday : Instaured at the end of the XIX century. The date refers to an agreement made at the beginning of August 1291 between Uri, Schwyz and Nidwalden. Traditional observance includes bonfires on the the mountains and celebrations in the communities, occasions for patriotic speeches. Modern observance, fostered by the Tourist offices, include fireworks.

School holidays :

School holidays :

School holidays :

School holidays :

Culture : On the evening of 24 December, a group of men wrapped in cloaks gathers on the hill. When the clock strikes nine, the procession begins to move.

Catholic or protestant : Since pre-historic times in Europe, festivities (bonfires, offrerings) were marking the beginning of longer hours of daylight with fires and ritual. The Roman festival of Saturnalia lasted several days in December (gambling and offerings). Germanic tribes also celebrated mid-winter (drinking and rituals). The Bulgarian (with Koleduvane) and the Polish (with Gwiazdka) perpetuate this tradition. Jesus of Nazareth was probably born in springtime (Reformists favour autumn). But in the 4th century, December 25th was chosen for the celebration of his birth by Pope Julius I (Bishop Liberus is also mentioned in 354 A.D.). Thus, a Christian element was introduced in the long-established mid-winter festivals. Before 1582, the Papal States and other Italian city states celebrated New Year’s Day on Christmas Day

Catholic or protestant : Christian remembrance of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr.