Deutscher Michel
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Der Deutsche Michel (literal. "The German Michel") is a figure representing the national character of the German people, rather as John Bull represents the British.
[edit] Overview
Such figures differ from those that serve as personifications of the nation itself, as Germania did the German nation and Marianne the French.[1] He is usually depicted wearing a nightcap and nightgown, sometimes in the colours of the German flag, and represents the Germans' conception of themselves, especially in his easy-going nature and Everyman appearance. In German, Michel is also the short form of Michael, though quite rare today.
[edit] References
- ^ Eric Hobsbawm, "Mass-Producing Traditions: Europe, 1870-1914," in Eric Hobsbawm and Terence Ranger, eds., The Invention of Tradition (Cambridge, 1983), 276.
[edit] See also
- Germania, historic national personification of Germany
- Flag and Coat of Arms of Germany
- Berolina, personification of Berlin
- Hammonia, personification of Hamburg
- Bavaria, personification of the Land of Bavaria
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