A woman who has moved to Switzerland has shared interesting insights she has discovered since moving – and people are only just finding out about the sweet way that new babies are celebrated
The arrival of a newborn is always a cause for celebration, with baby showers, ‘welcome to the world’ parties, and an array of gifts, balloons, and cards marking the occasion worldwide. Yet, many have only just cottoned on to the charming tradition that heralds the birth of babies in Switzerland.
Curiosity has been piqued among travellers to Switzerland who’ve spotted curious signs adorned with animals or characters, alongside a name and date of birth, leaving them puzzled about their meaning. An Australian woman, now residing in Switzerland and known as Aussie Spat mum online, has taken to sharing fascinating customs she’s encountered since her move.
In a video, the mum revealed: “In Switzerland, when a baby is born, the whole village gets the news… literally!”. She elaborated: “Birth signs with the baby’s name and date of birth pop up on buildings, balconies and front yards to welcome the newest little one!”.
These birth announcements, referred to as ‘Geburtstafeln’, are essentially birth signs usually mounted on poles or trees. They remain on display until family and friends have visited to fete the new arrival, after which they are removed.
Commenting on the Instagram post, an individual explained: “Let me share how it’s done in central Switzerland: you get them from friends, family, godparents or your ‘verein’. After one year, the parents are supposed to take them down with a ‘Täfelifescht’. This means you organise a barbecue or similar social gathering event where all the people are invited who got you a sign.”
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Another Swiss person chimed in: “We use this as an open competition for the worst baby names.” While one commenter was charmed by the tradition: “I need to experience this land of joy and happiness.”
One user shared that they follow a similar custom in the Netherlands, while someone else noted: “In Germany some people show it by hanging newborn clothes or a little wooden stork outside as well.”
On Reddit, a Nidwalden resident mentioned: “I live in Nidwalden, close to Lucerne and they’re so normal here that it’s seen as odd when people don’t do it. They’re called ‘Geburtstafeln’, so literally ‘birth signs’. They are hanged on the balcony when a child is born and they have the name of the child and its birth date written on them.”
Another Reddit user added: “This is common in Switzerland especially in the German speaking part. They have this and later on the kids keep them.”
Someone else pointed out former US practices, stating that although this used to be more common stateside, “police recommend against it because it puts your child at risk of abduction.”
Meanwhile, Welcome Switzerland highlighted the unique cultural practice on Facebook, saying: “In Switzerland, welcoming a newborn means more than just cards and social media posts!”.
“Families proudly announce the arrival with cute front yard signs, especially in rural areas! Does your country have a unique way to celebrate new arrivals?”.
According to website Geburtstafeln Schweiz, these signs can be quite expensive, costing between £90 and £120 for one.
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