Three journeymen on the move: from baptismal churches to the Caribbean!

Three journeymen on the move: from baptismal churches to the Caribbean!

The paths of three journeymen recently crossed in Taufkirchen, and it was impressive to experience what it means to be on the Walz. Maik, a 27-year-old carpenter from Dresden, has been traveling for three and a half years. Anna, his companion from Cologne, worked in the company for two years after receiving her journeyman's certificate and is now embarking on an exciting journey with Maik. The two journeymen were accompanied by Elisabeth, a 30-year-old landscape gardener from Zwickau. She has been on the roll for almost four and a half years and celebrated her 30th birthday in Iceland. This chance encounter in Taufkirchen sheds light on the fascinating tradition of itinerant craftsmanship.

The Walz is more than just a journey; It is an old craft tradition that is considered a necessary part of the training path for journeymen in German-speaking countries. Originally prescribed by guilds in post-medieval times, traveling was a duty for many craftsmen. Journeyman hikers travel with a minimum luggage of around 10 kg, which usually includes a sleeping bag and some personal items. According to the rules of tradition, overnight stays are often free in order to promote contact with other journeymen and to gain new experiences. Those who are on the roll leave their hometown and a radius of 50 km behind them - an exciting challenge for the young craftsmen.

Experiences and rules of rolling

Hiking not only has a long tradition, but also clear rules. Traveling journeymen have to introduce themselves to a guild or drinking master in foreign cities and are not allowed to own their own car. The preferred way to get around is on foot or hitchhiking. According to planet-wissen.de there are many customs and rituals that characterize every journeyman's association. For example, the division into special shafts. Elisabeth belongs to the “Ax and Trowel” club, while there are numerous other clubs that maintain different traditions.

The traveling journeyman's outfit has special features that indicate the respective material: black for wood, green for plants and blue for metal. Unfortunately, there is a misunderstanding that it is mainly carpenters or carpenters who go on the road. In reality, many other trades are also represented, which enables a valuable exchange of knowledge. Maik, for example, even sailed across the Atlantic to the Caribbean to get to know different working methods and gain new, inspiring perspectives.

Dynamics of wandering in crafts

The meaning of wandering has changed over the centuries. The goal of the Walz has changed from the need to gain experience to an opportunity to discover different job market opportunities. Historically, migration was part of a social mobility strategy. For centuries, journeymen have used this tradition to improve their professional skills.

For many craftsmen, rolling was the only opportunity to further their education and take the master's examination. This time-honored tradition is still practiced today, even if less than 0.5 percent of newly qualified craftsmen in Germany actually go on the move. It remains to be hoped that the fascinating culture of wandering and gaining experience will continue to exist in the coming years and that new journeymen will continue to set out to learn the art of their craft.