Yodeling for two occasions, Appenzell region, Switzerland
In the 16th century, Pope Gregory XIII introduced a new calendar to replace the pagan calendar that the Holy Roman Empire had inherited from the Romans. According to this newly introduced “Gregorian calendar,” new year had to be celebrated thirteen days earlier than what was previously done. But parts of modern day Switzerland, including the Appenzell canton in the northeast part of the country, opposed the change and stuck with the old calendar. This is why today, many residents of Appenzell, whether Catholic or Protestant, celebrate New Year’s Eve twice: on December 31 and on January 13. For both occasions, young locals engage in the iconic yodel chanting, where low-pitched and high-pitched sounds are interchanged at a fast pace, while wearing large hats and giant cowbells.
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