Silvesterkläuse, Urnäsch, Appenzell Outer-Rhodes (AR) www.swissworld.org

In many rural parts of Switzerland, the tradition of donning masks during New Year's celebrations is still upheld. In some places, the masks might be ferocious-looking and demonic, while probably the best-known masks - worn by the Silvester-Kläuse in and around Urnäsch, in the half-canton of Appenzell Outer-Rhodes - are men's and women's faces with large headgear. The traditional dress is supplemented by enormous cow bells which hang around the participants' necks. The Kläuse, all men, walk in small groups from farm to farm with New Year's greetings.

The Silvesterkläuse celebrate the New Year on January 13th. This is the date of New Year according to the old Julian calendar, which now runs 13 days behind the generally accepted Gregorian calendar. The Protestants in Appenzell rejected the calendar reform of 1582 because it was decreed by the Pope. (As far as everyday business is concerned, Appenzell Outer-Rhodes - the Protestant half-canton - finally made the switch in 1798.)