These figures might look threatening, but those who hug them are supposed to be blessed with good luck for the new year. As part of the old tradition known as Baerzeli, observed every year on Jan 2, 15 young men are transformed into traditional Baerzeli figures, like these two men seen in Hallwil, Switzerland, on Thursday.
A prickly embrace for good luck

- PublishedJan 4, 2020, 5:00 am SGT
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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 04, 2020, with the headline 'A prickly embrace for good luck'. Subscribe
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