The custom of the Swallow Song

Since antiquity, children have celebrated the end of winter and the return of the swallows by singing the “Swallow Song”. Holding the likeness of a swallow, children would wander around the town singing the Swallow Song and asking for treats. The wooden likeness of a swallow with little bells tied around its neck was attached to the end of a staff, which the children waved as they walked from house to house singing the Swallow Song. Housewives offered them uncooked white eggs.