The tradition of Sechseläuten dates back four centuries. At that time, the Council of Zurich Guilds decided to introduce the annual summer and winter time. In winter, because of the early dusk, it was already dark around five o’clock in the evening. To this day the people of Zurich celebrate their “Sächsilüte” as the end of the cold season and it’s traditionally celebrated with the burning of the “Böögg”. The artificial snowman filled with wood wool and firecrackers symbolises winter. Since the 16th century, this rite of fire has been a firm tradition in Zurich.