| In some parts of Switzerland it is tradition that on the birth of a baby, a sign is erected outside the family home announcing the name of the new arrival. The sign is placed in a prominent position: on the entrance door, balcony, a pole or even high up on a tree trunk that has been stripped of its bark and specially erected for the extra-special occasion. There are a number of companies that produce children’s nameplates with various subjects complete with name and date of birth. The classic is of course the stork, but others show the baby on a tortoise, a rocking horse, tricycle or dolphin etc. Others are more specifically aimed at boys: on a skateboard, kicking a football, playing a guitar or driving a tractor. Girly signs show the baby dressed as a ballerina or princess complete with crown or with a caption such as Swiss Miss. Variety and imagination know no bounds and similar signs are also available as transparencies for the proud parents to adorn their house or even car
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