Saturday was quite a big day for us. The German American Society we’re members of celebrated Fasching also known as Karneval or the German Mardi Gras.
“Fasching or Karnival celebrations stem from various beliefs and needs. For Catholics, it provided a festive season of food and fun before the Lenten fasting period would begin. During the late medieval times, plays were performed during the Lenten period called Fastnachtspiele.” source
The kiddos were asked to wear costumes to their German classes that morning. They were happy to oblige. Originally Gerhardt would be the only pirate but when I came home with a pack of eye patches more pirates joined his crew. Clara is the ship Leopard.
Martha couldn’t be left out!
Phil and I were excited to attend the evening Fasching celebration at the German club with our host couple. It included a lot of beer of course, a private tour of the museum and…….
SCHNITZEL!
Some of you might recall how I ate every bit of schnitzel I could get my paws on in Germany 5 years ago when Phil, Gerhardt (in belly) and I spent a couple weeks there.
Exhibit A:
There was also the usual cast of spooky characters.
“In pre-Christian times, carnival celebrations symbolized the driving out of winter and all of its evil spirits. Hence the masks to “scare” away these spirits. The carnival celebrations in southern Germany and Switzerland reflect these traditions.” source
Aaaa! No wonder Fasching scared me to death as a child!
Also, the conga line I barely escaped by rubbing my big pregnant belly and frowning a lot.
Our host couple looking good on the dance floor!
Then the highlight of the evening (unless you feel like I do about Schnitzel.) Das Mannerballet performed Charlie Brown and the Flight of the Red Baron.
The evening was, how do I describe it…perfectly German. And now we’re ready for Lent.
How fun for you all! I love the pirates and the little mickey mouse baby!