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Since the Karneval originated as a mocking of Royalty, of course we must have our own Royal Couple or "Prinzenpaar" ruling over our Mardi Gras 'government.' With them comes their royal court of "Hofstaat." The Prinz (Seine Tollität) and Prinzessin (Ihre Lieblichkeit) are crowned at the start of the season in November and rule until Shrove Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Their Court consists of the "Hofmarshall" (Prinz's Grand Marshall), the "Adjutant" (Prinzessin's Attendant), the "Hofdame" (Maid of the court), and the "Mundschenkin" (Toastmistress and keeper of the wine!). Each government has
ordinances. In the 'Karneval' government, the number eleven plays a
key role in the Mardi Gras ordinances. The first "official" day of
Karneval is on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. All
gatherings and proclamations are supposed to begin at the eleventh
hour in the eleventh minute. There are eleven ministers in the
cabinet (Elferrat). Some of their honorable titles include Minister
for the Lonesone Ladies, Minister for the Inebriated, Minister for
the Feinschmecker, and so on..... |
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One
of the important German traditions celebrated by Spielmannszug
Minnesota is our celebration of the Karneval Season. Many people in
the United States are familiar with Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but
few are aware that in Europe, Karneval and Mardi Gras have been
celebrated for centuries. The Grecians celebrated Mardi Gras in the
form of Spring festivals as early as the 6th century B.C. In
medieval times the "Feast of Fools" was celebrated as the last
opportunity for merrymaking and excessive indulgence in food and
drink before the Solemn Lenten Season. In some areas of Europe the
Mardi Gras became a theatrical demonstration that denoted the common
people's satire on the monarchy and its oppressive government. It
was an effective way of mocking the government without being
punished. Thus the humorous jabs at the drudgery of everyday life;
the 'sinister' prime minister (our Elferrat) representing the royal
cabinet; the fun loving Garde; the Policeman (Schutzmann), and the
Master of Ceremonies all mimicking the royalty of medieval times,
who lived in grandeur at the people's expense.