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Brownstown Township The Germania
Club Downriver is pleased to announce their 2008 Karneval Closing
Celebration on Saturday, February 9th, 2008. The event will be held at the
Germania Hall on 23156 King Road between Telegraph and Dix Roads in
Brownstown Township.
Karneval, Carnival, or Fasching is the German festival beginning on the 11th
day of the 11th month at 11:11pm and continuing until the closing
celebration at the beginning of Lent.
No
one is certain when the traditions started, but it is referred to in
biblical times after Christ and again in the Medieval Age gaining popularity
in the 13th century. Karneval has a religious background and is celebrated
in the period before Lent as the time of frolic, fun and gaiety, with
everyone indulging in food and drink, then promptly ending this ,sinful
life' at the beginning of Lent.
Keeping the tradition of the number eleven, a Council of Eleven" or Elferrat"
select the Prinz and his Prinzessin for the year who reign over their
subjects bestowing kisses, candy, and Ordens (medals).
The fool's hat with bells is the very symbol of Karneval, developed into
quite a colorful contraption used to mock the dressing of the rulers. Both
current and former princes will often wear elaborate feathers in their hat.
The Elferrat of Germania and other clubs also wear ridiculous looking hats.
Closing of Karneval is cele-brated at Germania Club this year on Saturday
February 9th. Prince Fritz, an effigy of the local government has reigned
over the Karneval season from his throne near the bandstand. The effigy is
carefully, lovingly, and mockingly removed from a position of honor and put
to sleep in his coffin for another season. Karneval ends just before
midnight with the dirge-full march of the undertaker and the Elferrat
carrying out the coffin containing the Prince.
Germania Club Downriver is sponsoring their annual Karneval Festival Closing
Dance on Saturday February 9th at the Germania Hall located on 23156 King
Road in Brownstown Township (between Telegraph and Dix-Toledo Roads.) Doors
will open at 7pm and the music runs from 7:30pm - 12 midnight featuring
music by The Sorgenbrecher Band. Admission is $6 at the door and traditional
German food, beer, wine, and spirits will be available ala carte.
So
bring your friends and family to join the antics of this truly unique
traditional German Festival & Ceremonies celebrating the opening of the
Karneval with us. For additional information, call the club at (734)
479-4278 or visit us on our website at www. germaniaclub.com. Reservations
for individuals and groups can be made at (313) 320-4261.
Hoping to see you there! |
