2. The Foundation of a state
In spring 2021, the forest state of Hain was founded as part of the interdisciplinary module ‘You are here’. The state territory covers around nine square metres and is located in Greterwald, Lucerne-Emmen. The boundaries are partly formed by the vegetation and partly drawn arbitrarily. Numerous plants and trees of different ages and species inhabit it, and dense fields of moss cover the hills and valleys.
Hain (Duden: small [light] forest)
- a sunny grove
- a sacred grove (inviolable place of refuge in the cult of various religions)
︎︎︎ Location Hain
In May 2022, the sister state of Boschetto was founded in the Ticino municipality of Piazzogna (Gambarogno). The Boschetto forest state is located in the eastern part of a plain between Piazzogna and Monti di Piazzogna and is formed by a family of sweet chestnut trees surrounded by six beech trees.
︎︎︎ Location Boschetto
In December 2023, another forest state was founded on the border wall between Switzerland and France: Bosquet in the Forêt du Risoux︎︎︎ Location Bosquet
This was followed by the states of Eilean on the Isle of Skye in Scotland (︎︎︎Location) and the island state of Eiland in the Riffig Forest in Emmen(︎︎︎Loca
tion).
What defines a state?
In order to have an international image, a national flag was designed for each country. The flag of the state of Hain is made up of the elements fern - tree - water - earth. It reflects the balance and equality of all beings that inhabit the state. The flag of the state of Boschetto symbolises the unity of the sweet chestnut tree, with its older and younger trunks. The flag of the state of Bosquet visualises the separation and simultaneous unity of the state. The flags of the two island states emphasise the connection of the places to the water and the plants.
Who composes national anthems?
The national anthem was created in collaboration with the animals living in Greterwald.
How does a state present itself?
In order to be able to represent the state Hain internationally, we were given the opportunity to move into an embassy in Emmenbrücke for a limited period in June 2021. In addition to the ambassador's office, visitors to the National Museum were able to view selected artefacts from Hain and information material on the founding and establishment of the state.
