„Kein Mensch auf dem Lande kann sich vorstellen, wie es Einem zu Muthe ist, wenn die See hoch geht“ - Schweizer auf dem Weg nach Amerika

Abstract

According to the ethnological literature, the author shares the assumption that the sea voyage might be an experience of transition, and that the Swiss emigrants passed through a «suspended» time and space. But letters, diaries, and reports showed that the reality on board was totally different. Therein was described and documented the sea voyage as a sequence of extraordinary situations which had to be immediately dealt with. Only in times of relaxation or during leisure hours the emigrants had the opportunity to look both backward and forward. So the author comes to the conclusion that only in the moments of preparation for the voyage or at the farewell, and also later if a new state of being is achieved it is possible to realize the state of transition. She asserts that the only chance to feel transition in real time, is to be accompanied by rituals. The different stages of the ritualized procedure generate a consciousness of the transition.

Keywords

• sea voyage
• sickness
• stress
• challenges on board
• hygiene
• media
• ritualization