Fools in the southwest eagerly await the "fifth season"
The Swabian-Alemannic carnival doesn't officially begin until January 6, but many jesters in the southwest won't miss out on the fun on 11/11 this Saturday. A little anticipation is perfectly acceptable, said Roland Wehrle, President of the Association of Swabian-Alemannic Fools' Guilds (VSAN). "After all, it's a wonderful number."
What is still strictly forbidden on the day, however, is wearing the mask and the Häs, i.e. the costume of the jesters, in public on the street. "The Swabian-Alemannic jester does not appear on the street in a full mask, nor does he officially open Shrove Tuesday." That's what Epiphany is for.
The start of the fifth season on 11.11. has its roots in the Rhineland carnival. A few guilds in the southwest also celebrate the day with smaller rituals. "It's a wonderful day to start carnival with a meeting, for example," says Wehrle.
Many jesters get together on this day to discuss a carnival schedule, decide on the motto for the village carnival or simply get in the mood for carnival. In Bad Waldsee (Ravensburg district), for example, a carnival alarm clock rings at 11.11 am.
Despite the official carnival start on January 6, some locals celebrate Shrove Tuesday on 11/11, incorporating a customs from the Rhineland carnival. Even though jesters can't wear their costumes in public on this day, it's a perfect opportunity to plan carnival activities, like setting the carnival schedule or deciding on a motto.
Source: www.dpa.com
