February 07, 2006

joyful ritualisms

The Neues Rathaus clocktower in the center of Munich is host to a little performance that happens three times daily. Tiny figurines on tracks come out to joust and dance to the chimes of glockenspielen. They repeat their performance with the same vigor and joyousness each time, then once more recede on their tracks into the dark machinery of the tower.

This delights people. Tourists especially. I think at the time I was more interested in watching the people watch the performance and trying to figure out what, exactly, was the appeal for them.

If I were to go back, I know what the appeal would be for me now: jealousy. These tiny figures live their preset lives on tiny tracks which they never deviate from. They perform the same exact thing day in and day out at the same exact times. Happily.

Posted by Alan at February 7, 2006 03:08 AM
Comments

Das ist meiner Schwanz?

Posted by: E. R. S. at February 7, 2006 08:39 PM

ha ha, the day we almost founded a cult. i totally forgot.

(http://blogs.thegotonerd.com/twht/archives/000069.html)

Posted by: alan at February 8, 2006 05:04 AM
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