Why there's a cross in the Swiss flag

Hi there

We've arrived at my favourite season: early autumn, with spectacularly clear, wonderfully mild weather. Here's hoping that the current run will indeed hold for at least a few more days.



As some of you will know, my office is located in a fairly old building sitting on the top of a hill overlooking the newer part of the old city of Bern. On a clear day, the Bernese Alps obstruct the view of the Mediterranean (in 1980 Bern saw a mini-revolution incited by young people demanding less social control and more autonomy. One unforgettable slogans was 'Nieder mit den Alpen, freie Sicht aufs Mittelmeer -- subito!' (Raze the Alps, we want to see the Mediterranean -- right now!) But I digress.

At sunset in spring and autumn, the Jungfrau sports a shadow in the shape of almost a perfect cross. My grandmother told me that was why there's a cross in the Swiss flag -- don't blame me for believing her! :)




This is what the view looks like this evening, 9 October 2006.

Take care!