As chairman of Turner Hall of Monroe's Heritage Programming Committee, I feel compelled to address the anonymous barb (Dec. 10) directed at our recent beautiful tree-lighting event, which nearly 200 people attended.
Turner Hall's Swiss Heritage Series, of which the tree-lighting is one event, prides itself on presenting educational and entertaining programming to the public that is not just Swiss, but authentically Swiss. Quoting directly from Turner Hall's mission statement, its purpose is to "preserve, perpetuate and nurture the Swiss traditions, heritage and culture that were brought to Monroe and Green County by its Swiss forebears."
Santa Claus was not present at the tree-lighting, but the Swiss Samichlaus and his companion, Schmutzli, were, which was disclosed in both print and broadcast publicity, and at the event itself. Although Santa and Samichlaus look similar, Switzerland's Samichlaus is not the North Pole's "jolly old elf" as experienced by today's Americans. In fact, the Santa in many European countries is very much like the Swiss version, living in the forest and traveling with a gloomier companion who is purposely intended to be a deterrent to bad behavior. Turner Hall's presentation of Samichlaus and Schmutzli was well-researched, authentic, verified by Monroe native Swiss, and done good-naturedly, with each child receiving a grandmother-made Lebkuchen.
The pair likewise made six appearances at Turner Hall's two-day Christkindlmarkt in November, also with children present, and were very well received. One young mother even commented that the American Santa could use someone like Schmutzli to improve many children's behavior. I personally was present during the pair's every appearance, and observed no crying, panicked or cowering children, or anything remotely suggesting traumatization. The overwhelming majority of children and adults at both events found the presentation intriguing and/or amusing, and seemed to enjoy experiencing a bit of real Swiss culture. We feel the introduction of this common Swiss tradition was extremely successful, and will become a part of our annual holiday programming.
The bottom line is, people need to know their own children and decide what is appropriate for them. It is not the job of the Swiss Heritage Series to "parent" or to change its programming to accommodate people's personal opinions and/or parenting styles. Interestingly, Samichlaus and Schmutzli appear to be in good company with characters from "Hansel and Gretel," "Little Red Riding Hood," "The Three Little Pigs," "Snow White" and countless other classic stories for ... children.
Turner Hall's Swiss Heritage Series, of which the tree-lighting is one event, prides itself on presenting educational and entertaining programming to the public that is not just Swiss, but authentically Swiss. Quoting directly from Turner Hall's mission statement, its purpose is to "preserve, perpetuate and nurture the Swiss traditions, heritage and culture that were brought to Monroe and Green County by its Swiss forebears."
Santa Claus was not present at the tree-lighting, but the Swiss Samichlaus and his companion, Schmutzli, were, which was disclosed in both print and broadcast publicity, and at the event itself. Although Santa and Samichlaus look similar, Switzerland's Samichlaus is not the North Pole's "jolly old elf" as experienced by today's Americans. In fact, the Santa in many European countries is very much like the Swiss version, living in the forest and traveling with a gloomier companion who is purposely intended to be a deterrent to bad behavior. Turner Hall's presentation of Samichlaus and Schmutzli was well-researched, authentic, verified by Monroe native Swiss, and done good-naturedly, with each child receiving a grandmother-made Lebkuchen.
The pair likewise made six appearances at Turner Hall's two-day Christkindlmarkt in November, also with children present, and were very well received. One young mother even commented that the American Santa could use someone like Schmutzli to improve many children's behavior. I personally was present during the pair's every appearance, and observed no crying, panicked or cowering children, or anything remotely suggesting traumatization. The overwhelming majority of children and adults at both events found the presentation intriguing and/or amusing, and seemed to enjoy experiencing a bit of real Swiss culture. We feel the introduction of this common Swiss tradition was extremely successful, and will become a part of our annual holiday programming.
The bottom line is, people need to know their own children and decide what is appropriate for them. It is not the job of the Swiss Heritage Series to "parent" or to change its programming to accommodate people's personal opinions and/or parenting styles. Interestingly, Samichlaus and Schmutzli appear to be in good company with characters from "Hansel and Gretel," "Little Red Riding Hood," "The Three Little Pigs," "Snow White" and countless other classic stories for ... children.
