Tuesday evening was our town's Raebelichtliumzug. In English that would be "turnip parade". It sounds kind of dumb, but in actuality it is my most favorite Swiss tradition. All the little children, third grade and younger, are given a free turnip from the local farmers. This is hollowed out with help from their mothers, teachers, or 6th graders, and then carved with varying designs. The first year I ever did this, I had only a few tips given to me by the cashier at the local grocery store where I went to pick up Nick's turnip. I cut out the designs all the way through the turnip, leaving big gaping holes. I also attached the lid of the turnip with twine, but somehow, got that wrong as well. I know it was wrong, because the twine burned through from the flame of the candle inside the lantern, and we ended up carrying the turnip lopsided the rest of the way home. Due to the large gaping holes and a brisk wind, we went through an entire box of matches trying to keep that thing lit during the short walk through town. But it was still cool enough, that I wanted to try again next year.
When I went to cut Sophie's turnip with her in kindergarten this year, I was one of the last Mom's to show up. I was only 5 minutes later than everyone else, but still, you know how kids are. Sophie was convinced I wasn't coming at all. Poor thing. Anyway, I sat down and finished my turnip lantern before anyone else, even though they had already started before I arrived. Sophie was quite impressed with this feat. I then confided to her that it was my 11th turnip I had carved, and I was getting pretty good at it. Did learn something new this year, which I will happily pass on here. If you need to carve your turnip in advance, store it in water in a cool place and it will last longer. I carved Noah's Monday morning, and Tuesday night when it was time for the parade, it was in perfect shape.
Sarah and Sophie each walked with their respective classes this year, and Nicholas is now too old to participate, so Lexi and I accompanied Noah and his preschool group on the parade route. Nicholas stayed at the school grounds and waited for Chris to come up after work. He took some pictures as the other kids came back. They had some older students play fun songs on their band instruments, which the kids sang along to, and then there were chocolate breads and hot soup and punsch for any who wanted it. (A chocolate bread is a divine Swiss invention that I think should be eaten much more often in the rest of the world. You take a soft roll, kind of like a hot dog bun that has not been split open. You make a hole lengthwise in the center of the roll and insert a chocolate candy bar into this hole. Then you eat the bread and chocolate together. Sounds gross, tastes great.)
If I even need to carve a turnip I now know who to come to.