Bern, 1 August 2022 (TDI): Switzerland celebrates the Swiss National Day on 1st August. The Day commemorates the 731st anniversary of the signing of the Federal Charter of 1291.
Federal Charter of 1291
The Federal Charter is one of the founding documents of the Swiss Federation. The Charter formed an official agreement between the three rural cantons bringing them to form one nation, Switzerland.
These three rural cantons included Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden. Additionally, the alliance marked the very early beginnings of the Confoederatio Helvetica (Swiss Federation).
However, the Swiss Government officially regarded the Charter as Switzerland’s founding document in the 1800s. Additionally, the first official celebration of the Charter took place in 1891 to commemorate its 600th anniversary.
From 1899 onwards, it became an official celebration. Moreover, on 1st August 1944, the celebration of National Day became an official public holiday.
Celebrations of the Swiss National Day
The beginning of the National Holiday of 1st August is marked by fireworks across the country. However, the biggest gathering takes place over the River Rhine. Some 110,000 people gather over the river every year this day to watch the fireworks display.
Additionally, families and communities come together on the historical Rutli meadow in canton Uri. The meadow is known to be the place where the original contract to form the Swiss Federation was signed.
Whereas, over 2,000 people turn up to the historic field every year. Moreover, lively parades also take place in the largest city in Switzerland, Zurich.
Swiss National Anthem
Prayers and the signing of the national anthem are also part of the official festivities.
Switzerland’s national anthem became official in 1981. On this day, the current anthem, the Swiss Psalm officially replaced the earlier version.
In 1841, Leonhard Widmer of Zurich composed the lyrics of the Swiss Psalm. Moreover, the lyrics of the national anthem exist in all four national languages. These include German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
Swiss National Day traditions
The tradition of the Swiss National Day includes wearing red colors and decorating home with the Swiss flags. Meanwhile, from national flags to community flags, all the citizens display a wide number of flags outside their homes.
In addition to this, people start their day with the tradition of a farmer’s breakfast. Citizens delve into local and organic food. Typically, this includes eggs, smoked sausage, cheese, and cider.
Congratulatory Messages from other Countries
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan extended the heartiest felicitations to Switzerland on its National Day.
On the occasion of National Day of the Swiss Federation , we extend heartiest felicitations to its Government and people.@SwissMFA @PakinSchweiz
🇵🇰🤝🇨🇭 pic.twitter.com/6S26ubaw5P
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) August 1, 2022
Moreover, the Foreign Ministry of Lithuania shared the warmest greeting to the Swiss people on the occasion of Swiss National Day.
Warmest greetings to Switzerland🇨🇭& all Swiss people on the occasion of #SwissNationalDay! Lithuania 🇱🇹 cherishes its friendship with Switzerland & is keen to further strengthen the bonds of partnership between our countries. pic.twitter.com/skNQA7W0O6
— Lithuania MFA | #StandWithUkraine (@LithuaniaMFA) August 1, 2022
Additionally, the Republic of Moldova also wished heartfelt congratulations to the people of Switzerland in a tweet.
Our heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of #Switzerland on the National Day!#SwissMFA #SwissNationalDay pic.twitter.com/lBpocp3n2F
— Moldova at UN Geneva (@MoldovainGeneva) August 1, 2022
Also Read: Pakistan expresses solidarity with UAE over floods
