Thursday, November 12, 2015

Passing the Torch



Each summer
in Goschenhoppen -
(say that 5x fast)
 - there is a folk festival
celebrating one of the oldest German communities in America.



These German communities in Pennsylvania
are referred to as Pennsylvania Dutch,
which is bizarre because they aren't Dutch,
they're German.



The Pennsylvania Dutch
developed their own dialect similar to the German language,
but it's not German.
This dialect is still very prevalent
in the Pennsylvania Dutch communities today.



The Festival is a time of practicing trades and home skills
of the 18th and 19th centuries
and the passing of such knowledge
to the younger generations.



It is encouraging to see how many younger people
take an avid interest in learning these old skills.


For spectators like me...
Well, I am Thankful for my modern day conveniences. 
But I sure appreciate the ingenuity and hard work 
of the people who did without today's luxuries. 

318 Colonial Road 
Perkiomenville, PA 18074 
occurs the 2nd Saturday every August 
and the Friday before. 







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All images by Rebecca Haegele have been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office. Click on any image to go to its gallery for purchasing information.

12 comments:

Tamar SB said...

I always enjoy reenactments like this - what a way to see history come alive.

Linda (LB2556) said...

Great pictures Becky...I especially love the last one....wouldn't it be nice to see more of the younger generation embracing the old traditions?

Kathy said...

This is my favorite type of festival. I love seeing how creativity colored our ancestors' lifestyles.

Linda Kay said...

There are a number of groups in the US who practice the "old ways" of doing things, and doing without. Something to be said for sure about that lifestyle.

Wayne said...

Cool photos, I really like the young man's head framed by the wheel! Thanks, I added this to my calendar, sound like fun.

MadSnapper said...

my hubby is PA dutch and i have asked him many times why because i know it is German. his grandparents could hardly speak english and spoke this dialect. he can say five different cuss words in it... he remembers his dad getting mad, like mashing a thumb and the words he said... i can even say a couple.. ha ha... i am with you about liking to learn the OLD ways but not if i had to do them

doodles n daydreams said...

This is rather fascinating - I love the way the old lady's dress is fastened up with pins.

Diana

Ida said...

What a great way to learn about history. I enjoyed your post.

Ohmydearests said...

Wonderful images! We have a few German communities in South Africa too.

Sarah Huizenga said...

As a German living in a very Dutch community I feel their pain :)

Sarah Koontz said...

Beautiful pictures!

Kim Cunningham said...

This looks amazing! How fun.