Laowai

It’s that time of Fall when all the kids carve a turnip and parade around town singing a turnip song.

Here are the turnips (or the Rabelichtli) in progress. I’m getting better at carving them. It’s different than doing a pumpkin – it’s all about making the shapes look good when the candle is inside and then the whole thing glows. Some of the parents make some really spectacular ones with little swiss houses, trees, angels – all sorts of traditional motifs.

Here’s Bea with her class and her teacher, Frau Rutishauser. They’re getting all organized for the parade.

This gives you an idea of what the turnips look like all lit up. It’s really magical to see all the kids walking along in the dark chilly night. They are all quite proud to be holding their Rabeliechtli.

Me too says Claire.