The Shepherds' Dance in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 1913

The Shepherds' Dance (Schaefertanz) at the market place in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The Shepherds' Brotherhood (Schaefer-Bruderschaft) has met every year since 1472 at the 'Schaefereytag' (Shepherds' Day) after the service. After the Mass people met to eat and drink together and they were dancing to merry music. Young shepherds were dancing with the burghers' daughters. Later, this 'Freudentanz' (dance of joy) fell into oblivion. Only at the carnival festivity of the Gymnastics Club of Rothenburg did this traditional custom revive. Foto: SZ-Photo / IBL Bildbyrå