Here in Germany, they say shaking the hand of a chimney sweep will bring you luck. These professionals are always dressed in total black, occasionally even a top hat, complete with a wild assortment of brushes. Usually I'm running for my camera the moment I spot one, once having chased behind a bicycle through the streets of Nürnberg. Imagine the complicated arrangement of the tools attached to his bike, a man appearing like a sooty knight with his brush pointing forward as if he jousted with chimneys instead of cleaning them. I'm positive he was the Don Quixote of Germany.
Björn Greubel, (a good sport tolerating my photography), tells me that they're considered lucky because in the old days the removal of rust and dirt prevented fires in homes whose roofs were made with timber and straw.
As if I haven't already frightened every one of these guys in the profession, I can't help but consider coordinating the creation of a calendar one of these years. (And demand repeated lucky handshakes while I'm at it).
Here is some fun video footage of a Schornsteinfeger in action. An occupation not for the faint of heart, but apparently good shoes, a stable roof, and a healthy dose of courage are all these fellas need.
Good grief! Now you are photo - stalking chimney sweeps?
Love the post and the photos. Thank you for sharing with the rest of us.
~LD
Posted by: Linda | March 27, 2009 at 06:33 AM