by Alina, age 8, asks Samichlaus your name means Santa Claus in Swiss German. Are you like the American Santa?, about Lake Zurich, and Switzerland’s four official languages
Dear Samichlaus,
My name is Alina and I am 8 years old. I live in Zurich, Switzerland, where my family rings cowbells and walks through the old town every December sixth for the big Samichlaus parade.
First, your name means Santa Claus in Swiss German. Are you like the American Santa?
Second, a geography question: what lake is Zurich built along?
Third, a school question about my country: why does Switzerland have four official languages?
I left you a small basket of treats and tea.
Love, Alina, age 8, Zurich, Switzerland, Zurich, Switzerland
From the Desk of Samichlaus
Dear Alina, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Your name means Santa Claus in Swiss German. Are you like the American Santa?
Exactly that, the very same fellow, simply dressed in the Swiss German language and a bishop’s robe.
What lake is Zurich built along?
Zurich sits at the northern end of Lake Zurich, with the Alps visible in the distance on a clear day, and the lake often has a thin skin of mist rising off it right around the time I fly in each December.
Why does Switzerland have four official languages?
Switzerland is made up of different regions, called cantons, historically settled by German, French, Italian, and Romansh speaking communities, and rather than choosing just one language for the whole country, Switzerland recognizes all four as official.
Frohe Weihnachten, Alina.
Ho ho ho, Samichlaus
