Who are these people? Yesterday, I was lucky to take this picture. They are wandering carpenters. There is a tradition in Germany, in Scandinavia, Belgium, Netherlands and in France: When a carpenter or other building craft apprentice (stonemason, bricklayer, wood or stone sculpturor) has done his journeyman's piece, he goes on a journey. Persons male or female, under 30, single, not in debt, no children, no criminal record: These are the conditions to be allowed by the guild. These guys wear a traditional suit of dark corduroy, a large hat, a twisted stick and a piece of cloth instead of a bag. They ask for jobs, a bed or a meal in rhymes. They take jobs as carpenters and they have a small journal in which their employers sign, so they have a recording of what they have been doing and where. They are not allowed to spend money on bed, meals, and journey. They have to remain at a distance of 50 miles from their homes. They wear an earring; in old times it was ripped out if a carpenter did something illegal; that's why we call a cheating person "split ear". After 2 or 3 years they settle down.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Carpenters on the journey, a European tradition
Who are these people? Yesterday, I was lucky to take this picture. They are wandering carpenters. There is a tradition in Germany, in Scandinavia, Belgium, Netherlands and in France: When a carpenter or other building craft apprentice (stonemason, bricklayer, wood or stone sculpturor) has done his journeyman's piece, he goes on a journey. Persons male or female, under 30, single, not in debt, no children, no criminal record: These are the conditions to be allowed by the guild. These guys wear a traditional suit of dark corduroy, a large hat, a twisted stick and a piece of cloth instead of a bag. They ask for jobs, a bed or a meal in rhymes. They take jobs as carpenters and they have a small journal in which their employers sign, so they have a recording of what they have been doing and where. They are not allowed to spend money on bed, meals, and journey. They have to remain at a distance of 50 miles from their homes. They wear an earring; in old times it was ripped out if a carpenter did something illegal; that's why we call a cheating person "split ear". After 2 or 3 years they settle down.
this should be a tradition everywhere.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tradition!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, how beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThree years seems a long time. I wonder if some do not complete their journey. I guess that's where the term 'journeyman' comes from. Now I know. Thank you for this. Too bad it's not in most countries.
ReplyDeletewonderful tradition:-)
ReplyDeleteThis is fascinating - and a refreshingly quaint tradition that is evidently valuable.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading this - what a fascinating story!
ReplyDeletehard to imagine this kind of journeys in the Americas.
ReplyDeleteI am so enjoying traveling with you on this journey of yours.
ReplyDeleteThe Journeyman's tradition is amazing and so interesting. Thank you for sharing your vacation.
what a great tradition. I was not aware of this....thanks!
ReplyDelete