Swiss cowbells become political symbols
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In Switzerland, groups known as Freiheitstrychler, or “freedom ringers”, have begun using traditional cowbells and Treicheln (a smaller type of bell) at protests against pandemic measures, transforming a cultural object into a symbol of political opposition.
For centuries, these bells have been part of Swiss cultural heritage, evoking alpine landscapes and rural traditions. Ethnologist Konrad Kuhn explains that the bells themselves are not inherently political, but rather gain meaning from their context.
Historically, they featured in customs like the “Ubersitz” and Chalandamarz, without political connotations. Kuhn notes that while agriculture has declined economically, its symbols remain important for Swiss identity. The Swiss People’s Party (SVP) has attempted to strengthen its ties to rural communities by using these symbols in its political messaging, recalling how Christoph Blocher used Treicheln during a campaign against Switzerland joining the European Economic Area in the 1990s.
Kuhn cautions against reducing cultural symbols to single political interpretations, arguing that cultural practices should remain open and inclusive. He fears that associating the Treicheln with a specific protest movement could diminish its broader appeal and lead to its decline, unlike the sport of Schwingen, a traditional Swiss wrestling, which has broadened its base to include athletes with migration backgrounds and gained popularity as a result.
