Yes, it is Fasching time again here in South Germany! For explainations, look at last year's blogging. Most people will be walking around in costume or playing in a marching band right up until midnight on Ash Wednesday.
This year, we decided to be a family of witches. William made his own broom in Kindergarten. He insists on riding it backwards. Why not? Above, he is shown with his magic wand, witches hat, broom, and homemade witches cape. ( MOM! I needed you! He wanted "witches pants" to go with his cape - and I had to just hope he would forget that he had requested them.)
" Hex! Hex! Du bist ein Maus!"
It was hard to get William and Claire to stop hexing eachother so we could get to the Frueschoppen ( Fasching-breakfast) on time!
Marga and Mama witches.
Margaret with her witches broom. ( We left the witches dust-pan at home, but on second thought should have brought it along!).
What is wrong with these Allmannsdorfer people? He has a raven on his head!
...And this child is dressed as a midevil rooster. HO NARRO!
Ho Narro! Today is Schmotzige Dunstig, or "Fat Thursday" - the South German equivalant to Mardi Gras. Today we are all eating Berliner ( the doughnuts!!) and partying because next week is Ash Wednesday and then we all have to fast and be good until Easter. Luckily, it seems only the partying part is taken seriously here - the Easter candy is already in the stores.
An American witch infiltrates the marching band!
Schulbefreiung! The Allmannsdorf music club "frees" the children from the elementary school and the kindergarten! Once the children are released, everybody parades around the town.
Schrecker! These guys scare away the winter and the snow.
A small family of witches listens to the music.
One of William's teachers!
The Butcher is dressed up, too!
William's black cat rides on his broom.
Claire in the band. Last I saw her, she was maching down the street with a bunch of loonies. I imagine we'll see her again in a couple of days when the parties die down.
These happy friendly people probably yelled at me just last week for crossing against the light. Ho Narro!
Fasnacht can be a bit overwhelming for children.
I think Marga was somewhat surprised to see Claire dressed as a witch playing a trombone. There will be lots of even weirder surprises to come in this life, Margaret!
Der Narrenbaum - A good part of the winter in Germany seems to be all about rearranging the pine trees. These little pine trees with very long stems are erected all over the town in celebration!
Aline Mara, witch!
Strike a pose, William!
