The abbreviation “CH” for Switzerland comes from its Latin name, Confoederatio Helvetica. This translates to “Helvetic Confederation”.
Here’s a breakdown:
Helvetia: This refers to the Helvetii, a Celtic tribe that inhabited the region before the Roman era.
Confoederatio Helvetica: This Latin name was adopted after the formation of the federal state in 1848, and it has remained in use ever since.
So, the “CH” is derived from the first two letters of Confoederatio Helvetica. It’s a historical reference that has become a widely recognized symbol of Switzerland.
Thanks for that.
In 1854, my great, great (great) grandfather literally escaped Switzerland with his life. His brothers were after him in what was deadly religious persecution. It was of all things protestant disagreement.
A few families left Vaud and came to Knoxville Tennessee. The land around Knoxville is very much akin to Vaud. There is a large Swiss community still in the original lands they settled back in the mid 1800’s
It took a hundred years for the cousins in America to reunite with those in Switzerland.
I did not know that. Thanks!