11 November is the date of the Armistice which signified the end of the First World War in 1918. It has become the date when all subsequent wars involving British and Commonwealth troops is remembered.
Indeed, we call the nearest Sunday to the 11 November Remembrance Sunday or Poppy Sunday after the peace symbol which raises huge sums for charity via the Salvation Army Poppy Appeal.
In the UK the memorial services begin at 11.00 am with a minute’s silence.
Poppy Appeal [Photo: Royal British Legion]
11.11 at 11.11
The exact moment of the signing of the Armistice by the Allies and the Germans was 11 minutes past 11 on 11 of November (the 11th month).
In Germany “am elften Eften um elf Uhr elf” is the start of Fasching, a celebration of parades, open air concerts, dressing up and drinking and eating in public.
Signing of the Armistice, 11 November 1918 [Photo Wikipedia]
Me and Remembrance Day
I was involved in Remembrance Sunday from a young age. As a Cub Scout and then a Scout, my troop always turned out wearing our woggles, neckerchiefs and berets and proudly sporting the badges we had earned sown onto our tunics.
As an adult I would dress up in suit and tie and overcoat and scarf to attend church with my young family.
Me and Fasching
I’ve been in Germany for Fasching a handful of times. Two occasions stick in my mind.
The first was Stuttgart in 1972 whilst on my “Year Abroad”. Along I went, romantically unattached at the time, to an event in the city, where there were three female students from the same university as me (Salford) who were also working in the city.
Jac was the fiancé of my best friend Dan, so no chance there.
Jan was a very attractive redhead that I quite fancied, but I didn’t have a clue where to begin.
Brenda had been my girlfriend during the first part of our six months in Spain. Suddenly she dumped me unceremoniously for a local Spanish guy. I don’t think we have spoken since.
Not an evening I enjoyed very much, I have to say.
The second Fasching of note was in Cologne in 2007, when I visited my daughter Amy who was on her year abroad from Oxford, where she was studying German and English Literature.
We had a great time together. Quite by chance one of my favourite groups of the time, Londonbeat, was performing on one of the stages. It was great to see them live.
Amy, 20 years on Chief Exec.Tutors United [LinkedIn]
Londonbeat [Photo and audio courtesy of You Tube]
Amy and I shifted some beer that night, but we had a great time and no hangovers the next day.
Probably down to the strict Reinheitsgebot (German Purity Laws) which all beers must adhere to.
Endnote
I’ve not been to Fasching since. Oktoberfest, yes, but that’s another story for another day …..
© The History Man
Links:
Londonbeat - I've Been Thinking About You (Special Extended Mix)
LINDOR, Fúndete de placer – 6s - Londonbeat's 25 greatest hits
Acknowledgements:
LinkedIn
Royal British Legion
YouTube
Wikipedia
Tags:
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