Berchtoldstag

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Berchtoldstag (also Bechtelstag, Bechtle, Bechtelistag, Berchtelistag, Bächtelistag, Bärzelistag) is an Alemannic holiday, known in Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the Alsace. It is near New Year's Day, during the Rauhnächte, in Switzerland always on January 2, with the status of a public holiday number of cantons (AG (partly), BE, FR, GL, JU, LU, NE, OW, SH, SO, TG, VD, ZG, ZH). Its observation is attested since the 14th century. The name is related to the Percht, a female figure associated with the Wild Hunt (the name Berchtold is secondary, the liturgical calendar has no saint of that name).

[edit] See also

• Public holidays in Switzerland
• Fasnacht