Men donning rabbit costumes/suits celebrate Gentlemen's Day in Saxony - Man in a rabbit costume marks Father's Day in Saxony
In Saxony on Ascension Day, Burg and Talsperre Kriebstein transformed into a bustling hotspot, with a multitude of day-trippers and men's groups congregating. The sunshine and spring weather brought a festive atmosphere, filling parking lots and lakeside terraces, as well as sightseeing ships, according to a dpa photographer. Among the families with children and other revellers, a distinct group caught the eye - the "Gentlemen's Day Singing Society."
Comprised of 19 silver-haired men from the Chemnitz region, the singers donned black suits, bowlers, and serenaded various locations with an assortment of fun and folk songs, accompanied by violin and accordion. Their repertoire boasts a wide variety of well-known tunes, originating from a state-owned enterprise in Limbach, East Germany, 53 years ago. After a jovial round of beers, the singers embarked on a boat ride in high spirits.
Meanwhile, other groups of men could be spotted traversing nearby roads with carts and alcohol, including a couple dressed in vibrant pink rabbit costumes and felt hats. Elsewhere, men gathered outdoors or in beer gardens, swaying against the cool wind. A spokesman for the situation center in the Ministry of the Interior remarked that the atmosphere was "peaceful and well-behaved."
In the Free State, both Catholics and Protestants fashioned traditional celebrations on Ascension Day, typically marked by church services, often conducted outdoors in the woods, on mountains, in church gardens or parks, followed by picnics, hikes, bike tours, or concerts.
The holiday commemorates Jesus' ascension into heaven 40 days after his resurrection, affirming the truth of his message.
- Men's groups
- Gentlemen's Day
- Ascension Day
- Saxony
- Lake
- Dam (Talsperre)
- Suit and bowler hats
Saxony's Gentlemen's Day originated as a social gathering for men on Ascension Day, which shares roots with Vatertag, or Father's Day. Over time, it developed into a celebration of masculine camaraderie, featuring distinct customs such as Bollerwagen tours, hiking and biking trips, and gathering in beer gardens. Despite the secularization of Ascension Day in many parts of Germany, the cultural and social aspects of Gentlemen's Day have persisted, offering men a chance to bond with nature, indulge in leisure activities, and celebrate camaraderie.
The Commission, in light of Saxony's Gentlemen's Day tradition, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States, focusing on creating designated outdoor-living areas for men's groups during the annual Ascension Day celebration, for the purpose of protecting workers from potential risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as men often wear suit and bowler hats and engage in activities like hiking or gathering in beer gardens. Moreover, home-and-garden enthusiasts may be inspired to revamp their outdoor spaces to accommodate such celebrations, transforming them into tranquil havens for the society to gather and sing a repertoire of merry tunes.
