Zünfte of Zürich

The twelve ancient guilds of Zurich city were originally craft associations and originated in the 14th century. The 14 new guilds emerged in the latter half of the 19th century.

• 7.1 guild houses

History

Origin

From the 11th to the 13th century originated in Europe many craft associations and corporations, representing the interests of their trade and the longer sought the more to engage in politically. In Zurich, such efforts have been prevented. The city was ruled by a council of knights and free burgers, which possessed great economic power. Small traders and craftsmen possessed no rights.

Brun's guild constitution

On June 7, 1336 sales Ritter Rudolf Brun along with artisans and shopkeepers the councilors from the Town Hall. Following the example of the " Schwörbriefes " the city of Strasbourg in 1334 Brun sat his guild constitution in force in the existing groups were summarized in guilds as solid organizations. The Great City Council was formed from their representatives. So far had any elector city and Swiss citizen who was the owner of land in the city, belong to a guild. In addition to full-fledged guild members there were, therefore, in the guilds also men who only exercised their right to vote there.

Resolution

In the Helvetic Republic, the French in 1798 broke with the motto " Liberté, Egalite, Fraternite " after 462 years of domination of the political guilds on. In the February 19, 1803 adopted " Constitution of the canton of Zurich » but it was said in Article 2 Clause 2: "The former guilds of Zurich city have been restored ," but acted it are pure constituencies. These guilds were superfluous, as 1866 was the right to vote on the entire population of the new municipality law for the Canton of Zurich. Thus the guilds lost their last political rights, the old structures had the newly formed state is no more room. The Company Constaffel and the guilds had lost their power and maintained their activity from now on as the guardian of traditions. The guild houses were sold, with few exceptions.

New beginning

In the Biedermeier era young guilds searched within their circle new activities. From 1818, it began with simple small nightly parades, from which developed the Sechseläutenplatz over the decades. Since then, the company Constaffel and the guilds form associations of men with similar traditional interests, " in which the old core of citizenship, the love of hometown, to the narrower and farther home, a good civic sense and understanding of old Canton of Zurich customs, habits and Festivals keeps alive and cares. "

Younger guilds

The younger or new guilds emerged in the latter half of the 19th century. Was established in 1867 at the Gasthof zum Schwanen Schipfe the town guild to " serve the same purpose as the old guilds ." This was followed by other new guilds, mostly in connection with the reorganizations of 1893 and 1934. Founders of neighborhood guilds wanted to confess to the city on the one hand, on the other hand keep the memory of the former municipalities awake.

The woman guild society is not taken into guilds to Zurich Bahnhofstrasse, even if it was allowed for the first time in 2011 to participate in the Sechseläutenplatz as a guest.

Activities

The highlight of the activities of all the guilds is the organization and implementation of the Sechseläuten. In addition, the guilds through events of various kinds, which may differ from guild to guild. In addition to the monthly meetings, which are often associated with a lecture, it is often evenings with musical lectures or readings. Many guilds lead to the care of historic events through customs or social events.

Sechseläutenplatz

On the third Monday in April, the Sechseläutenplatz takes place. If that day at the Holy Week or on Easter Monday, the event will be postponed for a week.

About 3,500 Guild members in their period costumes, costumes and uniforms, guests of honor, more than 350 riders, about 50 horse-drawn carriage and against 30 marching bands, pull the counter march through the Bahnhofstrasse and the Limmat Quay to Sechseläutenplatz.

Central Committee of the Zurich guilds

The Central Committee of the guilds of Zürich ( ZZZ ) is the umbrella organization of the Association of Guilds of Zurich. Its establishment took place in 1871; under the name " Sechseläutenplatz - Central Comité " a committee for the organization and implementation of the Sechseläuten was founded. The Committee considers issues of common interest and support the implementation of the move and the children parade on Sunday and financially. The present name " Central Committee of the Zurich guilds " applies since July 13, 1914. Every guild is composed of one representative on the committee.

Past guilds

New guilds

Guild houses

Every guild has a guild house or guild room in which take place during the year of celebrations of the respective craft. These guild houses are for the most part in the old town. Some guilds, particularly Quarter guilds have more than one local guild and reflect on Sechseläutenplatz also a restaurant in the old town.

Muensterhof, guild house « zur Meisen »

Stüsshofstatt, guild house " for Schmiden »

Limmatquai, guild house " for carpenters »

Stüssihofstatt, guild house " for tailors »

Limmatquai, guild house " to pick " ( Kämbel )

Muensterhof, former Guild Hall " for Kämbel » (1487-1798)

Muensterhof, guild house «zur Waag »

Limmatquai, guild houses Saffran, hoe and males