Bloch Book

Historian Johannes Schläpfer has published a wonderful book about the Bloch custom. The author explains how the ritual, which has many variations, is performed, what it means, where it comes from, and why it continues to fascinate new generations. What many people don’t know is that similar customs can also be found beyond the Appenzell region, as far afield as Slovenia and Hungary. This book guides readers through the history and present day of the Bloch. What once began as a carnival marriage game has evolved into a lumberjack custom and is now more alive than ever.
We are delighted that the book also includes an entire chapter on our world tour Bloch.
See also the report on the book in the Appenzeller Zeitung.

Book launch: Feb 15, 11:15 a.m.
Evangelical Church Urnäsch
Musical accompaniment by the Blochgesellschaft
Apéro in Museum of Appenzeller Tradition
Publisher: Verlagshuus, Appenzeller Verlag