«Bloch» (Tree Trunk Tradition)

Carnival season is full of unique Appenzell customs, one of which is the «Bloch». In this tradition, a large tree trunk is tied to a giant wagon decorated with pine branches and pulled through several villages in the Ausserrhoden hinterland, accompanied by whip-cracking and brass band music. Its origin: Woodsmen used to be given a tree trunk as a sign of appreciation. Every year on the Monday after Ash Wednesday, also known in the region as «Bloch Monday», the boys of Hundwil, Stein and Schwellbrunn pull their «Buebebloch», or tree trunk, through the villages.