Karnival Report

Mood: red ;)
What I'm Reading: The Communist Manifesto by Marx and Engels; The Screwtape Letters by C.S Lewis

Karnival break has come and gone. Here are some of the events I participated in (Quotes are taken from here):

Weiber-Fastnacht ''Women's Day'' (23 Feb.):
''Early in the morning, the streets are alive with ladies in fancy-dress. . .At 11.11 a.m. the street Carnival is officially opened by the three principal Carnival figures: the Prince, the Peasant and the Virgin. On this day women [are given the keys to the city and] assume complete power for the day. Any man foolish enough to wear a tie on this day runs the risk of having it cut off just below the knot.'' The tie cutting is no longer a bad thing for the men, because these days they get a kiss at the same time. After the morning festivities a group of classmates got together and had a study session.

Friday (24 Feb.):
Today was spent sleeping off hangovers by most of the people I know. A group of my classmates got together for an all-day study session. I offered to provide food, so I got up early to prepare an American meal. I made cornbread, salad with homemade Ranch, BBQ, and baked apple crisp. Later that night I went went to Pizza night at the Simmons house with a new acquaintance.

Saturday (25 Feb.):
''This day is usually celebrated with a traditional "Frühschoppen" or early-morning drink followed by parties, parties and even more parties. In the afternoon Rhineland cities are commonly overflowing with "Jecken" or Carnival figures, by the evening the party continues with popular ghost processions, otherwise known as 'Geisterzug'.'' I went to a neighborhood parade in Wahn with the house church crew and afterwards we had pizza.

Rose Monday (27 Feb.):
''Climax of Carnival, with big official parades. Processions consist of decorated carts, coaches, giant Hollywood style walking dummies, often depicting well known political or international figures, groups of masked fools, brass bands, horses and costumed groups on foot. Thousands of bars of chocolate, sweets and flowers are thrown into the crowd. Even after the procession has passed by, many continue to celebrate either at specially organised dances, informal private parties or in local bars.'' I put a few of my pictures from this parade below.There is a rivalry between Köln and Düsseldorf. That explains why this man is about to be kicked in the behind.Political satire is a theme throughout Karnival. These figures represent popular political figures.