Die Geschichte der Zimmererzunft in Deutschland

Modern

Today, the carpentry trade is experiencing a renaissance, as more and more people rediscover the beauty and sustainability of wood as a building material. As a result, carpenters play a crucial role in modern construction, whether it's building energy-efficient wooden houses, restoring historic buildings, or designing innovative architectural structures.

The carpentry trade has continuously evolved over the centuries, yet its fundamental principles of craftsmanship, quality, and integrity remain unchanged to this day. As guardians of a rich tradition and pioneers of modern construction, carpenters continue to be at the heart of an industry that is constantly developing yet firmly rooted in its origins.

Customs and rituals

Walz

An old guild ritual is the Walz, a journeyman's travels lasting at least three years and one day. This was obligatory during the heyday of the guilds; nowadays, it is rather rare, though the tradition persists. During the Walz, one is not allowed to come within 50 km of one's hometown.

During their journeyman years, or "Wanderjahre," journeymen can gain new experiences. They travel through the countryside, work in a variety of places, and decide for themselves whether and how long they stay in one place.

"Schmalmachen" is a former custom during the journeyman's travels, in which the journeymen present themselves to a master and recite various traditional sayings. "Schallern" is also an essential part of the journeyman's travels. This refers to singing songs during the journey.

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Guilds and their members are recognizable not only by the distinctive coats of arms and symbols of their home guild, but also by their characteristic clothing. This so-called "Kluft" consists of a black, velvet corduroy suit, along with a black, wide-brimmed hat. A type of necktie, called a "Ehrbarkeit," bears the guild's coat of arms. An earring in the left ear and a guild watch chain complete the outfit. If someone acted contrary to the customs and code of the carpenters, the earring was torn from the ear. The term "Schlitzohr" (literally "sly ear") is derived from this punishment.

Topping-out ceremony

This custom has been maintained to this day and is performed at almost every completed house. Once the shell and roof frame of the house are finished, the participating carpenters hang a wreath or tree topping out. A corresponding topping-out speech concludes the celebration and is meant to protect the future inhabitants and the house.

Carpenter gossip

The carpenters' gossip dates back to the Middle Ages and was a custom that was practiced wherever carpenters gathered.

Clapping originated during the journeyman years. Whenever carpenters met in lodgings or at guildhalls, they would sing songs and clap along in the evenings. Even today, you can still observe carpenters' clapping, for example, at topping-out ceremonies.

The clapping isn't haphazard, but follows specific rules. Two carpenters always sit opposite each other and clap like this:

1. Slap both hands on your own thighs

2. Slap both hands on your own hips.

3. Clap your hands together in front of your chest

4. Simultaneously, right hand against right hand and left hand against left hand with the opposite partner.

5. Repeat all of this several times in time with the music.