La Veillée - A Space for Transmission
Until the 1950s and 1960s, the inhabitants of Val d'Anniviers used to gather in the mayen (mountain hut) on long winter evenings for what were known as « veillées » (wakes)
Until the 1950s and 1960s, the inhabitants of Val d'Anniviers used to gather in the mayen (mountain hut) on long winter evenings for what were known as « veillées » (wakes)
Over the course of an evening in September 2022, the ancient world of the valley resurfaced through the evocative memories of Bernard Crettaz and the active participation of other native Anniviards, reviving a long-abandoned tradition.
Val d’Anniviers is one of those Swiss valleys that, in just a single generation, transitioned from the harsh life of a traditional peasant society to one focused on tourism and development. When the elders are asked what they miss from that time, many speak of the veillées and the strong sense of community that once existed in the villages.
The veillées were moments of convivial rest where oral transmission played a central role. Gathered around a soapstone stove, people would sing, talk, tell stories of pranks that the Anniviards practised as an art, and most importantly, recounted the mysterious events that this or that person had experienced and legends filled with ghosts and spirits. It was a suspended time, far from daily chores, where everyone—from the youngest to the oldest—had a place in an atmosphere that was both intimate and collective. This intergenerational exchange was a vital channel for passing on knowledge and traditions.
Bernard Crettaz, ethno-sociologist Anniviard and author of numerous works on the Val d’Anniviers, is an emblematic figure of the valley. He shares the knowledge he has gathered over many years from his elders, with a profound intensity in his eyes and a depth in his soul. Two months later, he passed away. This « veillée » was one of his last public appearances, and a moving tribute to the living memory of Anniviers. Two months later, he passed away. This wake was one of his last public appearances, and a moving tribute to the living memory of Anniviers.
This event was held in the « maison bourgeoisiale » of Ayer. These houses also stand as powerful symbols of community spirit. In the past, they were at the heart of communal life, where people made collective decisions about managing shared resources such as forests, pastures, and alpine meadows. It was also where they gathered for assemblies, ritual meals, and acts of solidarity among villagers. Their architecture—simple yet rich in symbols like coats of arms, inscriptions, and paintings—reflected a deeply structured and tightly-knit society.
