Närrische Dictionary

Düsseldorf's Karneval greeting, used in many places including Koblenz and Mainz and the Phoenix Club (the Anaheim KG has strong roots in Mainz). It is either derived from "Hallelujah" or "Hello."

A Karneval greeting in the Cologne dialect. Like all Karneval greetings, it originates from trying to say something else while inhibited with drink. In this case, it is an alcoholic derivative of "alles ab" or "everything gone," but can be used to mean "Cologne above all else" in Köllealaaf! Context provides meaning. There is a pronounced rivalry between the left bank Cologne and other regions — the Karneval novice should beware that in Cologne and the surrounding area, hastily calling out "Helau" is frowned upon.

Actually, "ahoy" is an old sailor salute which has also found, in the course of time, entrance into the everyday German language. In northern Germany and parts of the Pfalz, "ahoi" also forms a salutation during Karneval — the North German alternative to the widespread "Helau" and the Kölsche "Alaaf."

A rhyming speech mainly given during the variety shows known as Karnevalssitzungen. The Bütte, which actually means a barrel, is also the lectern from which they are delivered. The tradition, like everything else Karneval-related, is old Christian, harking back to a time when the Büttenrede was used to utter blasphemies punishable by maiming any other time of year. Germans often like to mark festive occasions with rhyming couplets. Büttenrede can be very sharp-witted and political, but should be taken as harmless jokes.

The League of German Karneval acts as an umbrella organization of the German Karneval clubs. It forms the top of a multi-level structure of regional associations in which the clubs are organized. About 4,800 clubs are members.

In practice, the Bund Deutscher Karneval has devoted itself above all to traditional customs and the promotion of young talent. In addition, the association organizes the "German Championship in Karneval Dance Sport", runs the German Karneval Museum, and awards its own cultural prize.

Especially in Cologne, revelers not only distribute "Kamelle" (candy), but also Bützchen — a kiss represented by a pucker with pursed lips.

Such a kiss can be presented on numerous occasions — via air from the carriages of the Karneval parades, or a peck during Weiberfastnacht. In general, this kiss is nothing more than a friendly, happy gesture — without any romantic or erotic intentions.

In today's Karneval clubs, the Elferrat has mainly organizational tasks. This group (usually consisting of more than eleven people) plans the Karneval sessions, parades, and other events. In the majority of traditional clubs, the Elferrat consists exclusively of men, though in some clubs women are also allowed or provide their own council.

Historically, the Elferrat also has a political dimension. The Elf (eleven) is not only a foolish number — derived from the official beginning of Karneval on 11.11. — but also stands for the motto of the French Revolution: E for Egalité, L for Liberté, and F for Fraternité. When the left bank of the Rhine was occupied by Napoleon's troops in the early 19th century, citizens were given more political freedom. Those freedoms later gave way with the Prussian restoration, and the Elferrat became a commitment to the lost "democratic" rights — under the guise of Karneval foolishness.

The Funkenmariechen is indispensable from Karneval events. The young girls and women provide lively and at times acrobatic dance interludes as entertainment. In earlier times it was the men that danced; since the 1920s, the Tanzgarde (dance guards) have been predominantly women.

Originally a Rhenish Karneval invention, the Funkenmariechen spread to other areas of Central Europe. The visual model for today's dancing girls was the 18th-century Marketenderinnen — women who accompanied military troops. Accordingly, the traditional costume (uniform jacket and tricorne hat) has military flair, while the short skirt, tights, and ruffle underscore the irreverence for military decorum. Tanzmariechen perform both solo and with partners, accompanied by polka, march, and sometimes modern music.

A beautiful late-Gothic hall (1441–1447) in Cologne and the venue for events of the Cologne Karneval clubs, with five rooms and a maximum capacity of 1,338 seats.

Throughout Germany, the Gürzenich is known through WDR television broadcasts of a carnival session from the Großen Festsaal (Great Hall). Various Karneval events including the Prinzenproklamation are also held here.

In Rhenish lands, a friend of Fasching or Karneval is called a Jeck (elsewhere they are called "Narren"). The Jeck not only loves to celebrate Karneval — in a broader sense, he is a humorous person who enjoys Karneval-style fun. There is a subtle difference between a Jeck and a "Karnevalist": a Karnevalist is part of organized Karneval (playing a club function or performing in public), while a Jeck simply enjoys celebrating alongside.

"Hot chick" or "delicious girl" in the Cologne dialect. Not strictly a Karneval-related term, but one that is often used and happily accepted as a harmless compliment at this traditional event.

The "rag ball" is a variety of masked ball where visitors are challenged to wear conspicuously worn and ragged clothing — violations of this dress code are frowned upon.

The theme allegedly originates from Vienna, where the first rag ball was organized in 1872. Our Lumpenball closes our season — where we party until we're down to rags and leftovers.

The French name for Karneval, translated as "Fat Tuesday." The name comes from the rich and fatty foods eaten on the last day before Ash Wednesday, in preparation for the austerity of Lent. Over time the name transferred to the entire Karneval period.

Mardi Gras is celebrated colorfully and cheerfully not only in Catholic France, but also in other francophone regions — including eastern Canada and New Orleans, Louisiana.

A nocturnal parade held in Basel, Switzerland — one of the few Karneval towns with a Protestant history. On Carnival Monday at exactly 4am, the BaselFasnacht begins: the Fasnachtscliquen (carnival guilds) gather in the center of Basel and march with fife and drum, a tradition dating to 1835. During the Morgestraich the entire city center douses its lights, and participants carry oversized lanterns for illumination.

A fool's cap, usually made of durable fabric in several bright colors, sometimes decorated with bells. The typical fool's cap has three points mimicking the shape of a cockscomb.

The "Hahnenkamm" is a traditional attribute of the fool — in the 15th century the rooster, like the fool, was seen as succumbing to carnal lust. Donkey ears were also added, symbolizing stupidity and laziness. By the early 19th century the cap had become the fashionable mark of the Karneval fool; in 1827 Karnevalists in Cologne were required to wear one. Originally made of paper and burned publicly at session's end, today they accompany club members for many years.

The collective term for the many Karneval greetings that may be barked at you on the streets. Alaaf! and Helau! are the most common, coming from the two biggest Karneval cities, but there are nearly as many variations on "Hello" as there are Karneval towns. Literally, a Narrenruf is the cry of an idiot.

The Fool's Leap — a traditional procession of leaping fools in the town of Rottweil.

This Dr. Seussian word is an old Rhineland term for a concertina. If you are not fond of jolly concertina music, Karneval is no place for you.

Rose Monday is the pinnacle of Karneval, especially in Rhenish areas — the Monday before Ash Wednesday. In many Karneval strongholds the largest and most important parades (Rosenmontagszüge) take place on this day. Many companies release their employees to participate, and in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Mainz, and other cities, there is a kind of state of emergency on the streets and in the pubs.

In 1822, a festival committee was founded to give Rhenish Karneval a new image under Prussian absolutism. The committee met annually on the Monday after "Rose Sunday" — named for the golden rose consecrated by the pope on the fourth Sunday of pre-Easter Lent. Rose Monday always falls 48 days before Easter Sunday, ranging from February 2nd to March 8th.

An obscure old-German saying deriving from "Es geht dagegen!" (it goes against…). Whether it means against a wall or your principles, fools take comfort in the fact that after the season — is also before the season!

Another word for a Karnevalsverein — the clubs and societies that organize Karneval events.