Academic gymnastics association Rhenania Bern

Academic gymnastics association Rhenania Bern
Basic data
University / s:	University of Bern
Founding:	1816
Place of foundation:	Bern
Foundation date:	1819
Corporation association :	SAT, SWR, CC Bern
Abbreviation:	Rhen!
Colours:	Black-red-white with golden percussion
Position to the scale :	mandatory
Website:	www.rhen.ch

The Academic Gymnastics Association Rhenania Bern is a colorful , striking student association at the University of Bern . It was founded in 1816 as the patriotic gymnastics community , making it the oldest university association and the oldest gymnastics club in Switzerland .

Rhenania, together with the Utonia Academic Gymnastics Association and the Alemannia Basel Academic Gymnastics Association, form the Swiss Academic Gymnastics Association (SAT).

history

The history of Rhenania Bern is almost identical to Swiss gymnastics history. The Bern Academy took a leading position in this, as it was the first to introduce gymnastics in public schools. This was mainly due to the merit of Phokion Heinrich Clias , who held gymnastics lessons for the first time in 1815.

The beginnings

In 1816 the patriotic gymnastics community was founded at the Bern Academy, as the university did not yet exist at that time. Neither the charter nor the minutes have survived. The only evidence is a record by the Reformed pastor Moritz Jäggi, who in his work, The attempt at a history of gymnastics in Switzerland, states 1816 as the year of foundation. The gymnastics was under the direction of Clias, to what extent he himself initiated the establishment of the club, however, is unclear.

The Swiss Zofingerverein was founded in 1819 with sections in Bern and later in Zurich. All gymnasts of the Patriotic Gymnastics Community took part in the meeting in Zofingen, and on December 16, 1820 the club was finally accepted into the Zofinger Association. However, differences quickly arose. Due to the fact that all gymnasts were gymnasts, but not all gymnasts were gymnasts, there were frequent discussions about financial issues. The Zofingers complained that the club's treasury was used exclusively for gymnastics. As part of a revision of the statutes in the spring of 1823, the two associations separated by mutual agreement. In the course of the separation, the Patriotic Gymnastics Community gave itself a new name, from then on it was called the Academic Gymnastics Club . The first gymnastics rides took place in the 1820s. This resulted from an ever closer contact with gymnastics clubs from Basel and Zurich, which can be seen as the forerunners of the later union to the SAT. Academic fencing also appeared in the 1920s . Here the first differences between gymnasts and fencers came to light, since the gymnasts did not want to give up the already meager club budget for fencing expenses.

At the beginning of the 1830s, the association began to disband. Due to frequent absences, gymnastics only ran on the back burner, the members were quarreled and there was great disorder in the cash desk. On the occasion of the last meeting on February 24, 1832, the dissolution of the academic gymnastics club was taken into custody according to the minutes. The reasons for the release were on the one hand the ones already mentioned above, on the other hand a fundamental renewal of the gymnastics club was the goal, which, at the discretion of the members, could only take place by means of dissolution and re-establishment. In fact, the re-establishment took place at Easter 1832, on May 11th and 12th the club was constituted under the new name of the student gymnastics club . The first federal gymnastics festival in Aarau on April 24, 1832, as well as the simultaneous founding of the federal gymnastics club , of which Rhenania is a founding member, also took place during the re-establishment .

1832 was generally an eventful year. The emerging liberalism in Europe and Switzerland also left its mark on Zofingia. The radically liberal Helvetia split off from the largely conservative Zofingerverein. Otherwise the 1830s were calm. The student gymnastics club was concerned with the development of gymnastics regulations, and the gymnastics festivals, which were held every two years, were added. The establishment of the University of Bern in 1834 is also worth mentioning.

Reconstructing the 1840s is difficult because numerous logs are missing or have been lost. In view of the tense political situation in the Confederation at that time, however, one remark is interesting that lays the foundation for the later life connection, so to speak. Gymnastics in particular seemed to be the common denominator at a time when the unity in our country was in a bad way and the reconciliation that was part of common gymnastics goals for members of different political directions was always emphasized in the lap of the STV. The long-time President Schatzmann also commented on the goals: life in the gymnastics club should be formed by men who understand how to respect their different opinions and thus become capable citizens of the fatherland.

From gymnastics club to student union

The decisive and necessary steps from a gymnastics club to a student union took place in the 1870s and 1880s. After a heyday between 1862 and 1869, the crisis hit at the beginning of the 1870s. The heyday with 70 members in some cases had shown that an association of this size could not be managed without more efficient statutes and a clearer cash register . The revision of the statutes of June 15, 1875, called for this purpose, was also significant in that it was the hour of birth of the volume in the colors black, red and white . Furthermore, that was fencing and more popular. A saber fencing apparatus was obtained from the Zofingia ; the newcomers couldn't get nearly as enthusiastic about gymnastics as they were about fencing. At the same time, the STV was so badly decimated by the constant decline in membership that it only comprised two members in the winter semester of 1878/1879. However, due to an extensive advertising campaign, 17 new entries were recorded in the following semester. The next few years were marked by redesign. It is important to mention the merger to form the "Cartel Association of Swiss Academic Gymnastics Clubs" in May 1885, the forerunner of the Swiss Academic Gymnastics Association.

In the following time, some innovations were made that marked the change from a gymnastics club to a student union. The STV 1885 gave itself its own beer comment and a Fuxmajor. If one believes the protocols at that time, this was absolutely necessary, for example in November 1885 it was said: "A firm Fuxmajor would still find a nice field of activity!" The years 1888 and 1889 were decisive. The years before had already shown that there was a strong current within the student gymnastics club, which was constantly working towards the goal of a closed life connection. In the summer of 1888 a fundamental debate was finally held within the association as to whether color students, namely Zofingers, were allowed to continue to participate as members of the association. On July 20th the decision was made that "Membership in the student gymnastics club is incompatible with membership in a couleur association." After the closed lifelong relationship became unofficially a fact, the definitive constitution was necessary as part of a statute revision. This decision was made on June 28, 1889 with 13 votes in favor against 5 against with 7 abstentions, the student gymnastics club was thus transformed into a closed lifelong relationship according to the motto "Mens sana in corpore sano". At the same time, colors, which at that time were still bright red, were purchased.

Consolidation

At the end of the 19th century, the old gentlemen's association was formed on December 18, 1890 with the aim of supporting Aktivitas financially and thus making it possible to achieve the goals of the association. On the other hand, a debate about fencing dragged on throughout the 1890s. This is where the friction within the connection was greatest, as previous episodes had already shown. On the occasion of a revision of the statutes in 1896, during which the question of satisfaction was widely discussed, the commission submitted a motion to abolish satisfaction. This on the grounds that gymnastics would be impaired. The application was granted by the old gentlemen's association, so that the following paragraph was introduced on July 12, 1896: "The members of the STV Bern give no satisfaction to weapons." The introduction triggered a chain reaction, 7 members submitted their application to leave. Aktivitas then presented a compromise proposal, which was accepted on November 1, 1896. Determination mensuras remained forbidden, contractors were allowed except for certain special cases in which they could be banned. Furthermore, the scale system was raised to a matter of connection, so that at least for some time there was calm. Also worth mentioning is the change in color from red to black in the winter semester of 1892/93 and the renaming on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the lifelong relationship from the student gymnastics club to Rhenania . The official name was given on February 20, 1900.

The Rhenania in the 20th century

At the beginning of the new century there were already disputes between active men and old men regarding fencing. At the same time as the name was given, the Rhenania tightened the fencing paragraphs. The unconditional satisfaction, already common since the 1890s, was finally recognized in 1906 by the old gentlemen's association, so that the disputes could be settled.

The first decades were marked by various weapons infractions with Helvetia Bern , which regularly demanded a large number of games. In other cities such as Zurich, too, the weapons disapproval and the fundamental disputes between the various connections were a problem. Initial attempts to form associations in the cities were unsuccessful. At the end of the 1920s, however, the idea of a nationwide weapon ring came up and on July 14, 1928 its constituent assembly came together, which commissioned the Rhenania and Helvetia to work out a fraud and honorary court order. The founding of the SWR meant a definitive end to the sometimes devastating weapons calls between the beating corporations.

While the corporation flourished in the 1920s and at times comprised up to 20 active members, at the beginning of the 1930s there were concerns about the existence of the company. Aktivitas counted 4 inactive boys and one fox in the summer semester of 1934. A crisis BC with some old men was convened and, among other things, the suspension was discussed. However, it was decided to set up a commission and ask the other SAT corporations for reinforcements. With the help of a more modern semester program, which in addition to sporting activities also included cultural events such as lectures, it was possible to polish up the somewhat battered reputation of the connection, which had suffered from numerous escapades. The lecture evenings were not without success, so that three semesters later a considerable number of active participants could be counted again.

In addition to the recurring concerns about membership, the Rhenania also dealt with the political events of the 1930s. The front movement in particular, which arose at the University of Zurich , called on the politically neutral Rhenania to take a position. In the Centralblatt of the SAT in particular, an exchange of blows between different political views developed. For the most part, old lords of Rhenania insisted on the principle of neutrality. In the crisis of 1933 in particular, however, there were also proposals to break ties and join the front. But here, too, the majority successfully resisted the politicization of the connection. Probably also contributed to the fact that the front movement in Bern was far from as popular as it was in Zurich, for example. In addition to the front movement, National Socialism also called for an opinion. At first one could speak of a certain sympathy of the corporation students, especially on the part of the striking, since Hitler had lifted the scale ban at the beginning of his government activity. In 1933, for example, the SWR held a training day in Waldshut , Germany. There, however, the initial sympathies quickly evaporated when a member of the NSDAP gave a speech in which, among other things, he called for people to speak only the German language in Switzerland . In response to this, numerous old masters of all SAT corporations called for the future to forego the break days in Germany, as these could be used to interfere in Swiss domestic politics. In addition to this event, the dismantling and alignment of German connections opened the eyes of many initial sympathizers. In Aktivitas there was basically little politicization, but National Socialism was rejected in unison. At the same time, the Rhenania fought against the fundamental disparagement of German, especially with regard to the student songs . If there were old gentlemen or traffic guests who raved about National Socialism, they aroused displeasure. Some BC protocols provide sufficient information about this. Traffic guests who expressed their National Socialist sympathies to tribes were also advised by the old gentlemen's association to avoid Rhenania events in the future. The Second World War was a test of endurance similar to that of the First World War. Because of the active service that most members had to do, it was difficult and difficult at times to keep the liaison going. The 125th anniversary in 1941, which first wanted to be celebrated in a festive way, was finally celebrated in a smaller group. This also with consideration for the war and the scarce resources. For example, instead of a pompous celebration, 1,000 francs were donated to winter aid.

Throughout the history of Rhenania, the discussion about a liaison bar also dragged on. In order to be able to keep the convention secret better, more attempts were made in the 1950s to find a bar. Finally, in 1959, they moved into the pub at Postgasse 10 , which the Rhenania still uses today as a connecting bar .

Couleur and principles

The colors of the Rhenania are black-red-white with golden percussion on cap and ribbon; New members wear the black and white Fuxenband. Rhenania is non-denominational, politically neutral, cross-faculty and open to all students at Bern universities.

As with all members of the SAT, her motto is: Mens sana in corpore sano . Simultaneous membership in another university association is only permitted within the SAT. In addition to the principle of the alliance of life (so-called life connection), the Rhenania is also committed to the principle of absolute satisfaction with the weapon . As duty dueling fraternity is a member of the Swiss arms race and commits its members Bestimmungsmensuren to beat.

Known members

Erwin Friedrich Baumann (1890–1980), architect and sculptor
Albert Benteli (1867–1944), publishing director
Richard Kraemer (* 1944), former chief physician and director of the University Children's Hospital in Bern
Georg Hartmann (1873–1932), Swiss National Councilor
Walter Hofer (1901–1962), ambassador
Rudolf Leiser (* 1941), professor of veterinary medicine
Philippe Daniel Ledermann (* 1944), implantologist , specialist book author and writer
Alfred Moll (1869–1949), Swiss National Councilor
Heinz Moll (1928–2008), Swiss Council of States
Rudolf von Planta (1888–1965), Graubünden government councilor
Rolf Raschein (1929–1994), federal judge
Andrea Rauch (1939–2013), retired Brigadier
Erhard Semadeni (1940-2006), retired Brigadier
Otto Tschumi (1878–1960), professor of history
Johann Vonmoos (1873–1956), Graubünden government councilor
Karl Weber (1880–1961), professor of newspaper studies

literature

Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918.
Karl Weber : 125 years of gymnastics Rhenania 1816-1941. Liestal 1941.
Heinz Moll, Moritz Lustenberger, Walter Irmiger: Festschrift for the 150th anniversary of the Academic Gymnastics Association Rhenania in Bern 1816-1966. Liestal 1966.
Max Richter: On the scale! History of the beating corporations in Switzerland. Contribution to Swiss academic life and foreign arms students. Arma, Zurich 1978.
Christoph Kraemer, Rainer Gonzenbach, Martin Heuberger, Heinrich Maurer: Festschrift for the 175th anniversary of the Academic Gymnastics Association Rhenania in Bern 1816-1991. Bern 1991.
Arturo Hotz : First academic physical educator. On the 150th anniversary of the death of gymnastics pioneer Phokion Heinrich Clias. In: Neue Zürcher Zeitung of November 13, 2004.

Individual evidence

^ EH Eberhard: Handbook of the student liaison system. Leipzig, 1924/25, p. 191.
↑ Peter Martig et al. (Ed.): Bern's modern time. The 19th and 20th centuries rediscovered. Stämpfli, Bern 2011. p. 208.
^ Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 7 f.
^ Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 15 f.
^ Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 19 ff.
^ Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 24 ff.
^ Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 28 ff.
^ Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 49 ff.
^ Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 67 ff.
^ Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 77 f.
^ Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 84.
^ Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 86 f.
^ Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 98 f.
^ Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, pp. 118, 134.
^ Hans Moll, Moritz Lustenberger, Walter Irmiger: Festschrift for the 150th anniversary of the Academic Gymnastics Association Rhenania in Bern 1816-1966. Liestal 1966, p. 39 f.
^ Hans Moll, Moritz Lustenberger, Walter Irmiger: Festschrift for the 150th anniversary of the Academic Gymnastics Association Rhenania in Bern 1816-1966. Liestal 1966, p. 95 f.
^ Hans Moll, Moritz Lustenberger, Walter Irmiger: Festschrift for the 150th anniversary of the Academic Gymnastics Association Rhenania in Bern 1816-1966. Liestal 1966, p. 45 ff.
^ Hans Moll, Moritz Lustenberger, Walter Irmiger: Festschrift for the 150th anniversary of the Academic Gymnastics Association Rhenania in Bern 1816-1966. Liestal 1966, p. 48 f.
^ Hans Moll, Moritz Lustenberger, Walter Irmiger: Festschrift for the 150th anniversary of the Academic Gymnastics Association Rhenania in Bern 1816-1966. Liestal 1966, p. 50 f.
^ Hans Moll, Moritz Lustenberger, Walter Irmiger: Festschrift for the 150th anniversary of the Academic Gymnastics Association Rhenania in Bern 1816-1966. Liestal 1966, p. 100 f.

Web links

[1] EH Eberhard: Handbook of the student liaison system. Leipzig, 1924/25, p. 191.

[2] Peter Martig et al. (Ed.): Bern's modern time. The 19th and 20th centuries rediscovered. Stämpfli, Bern 2011. p. 208.

[3] Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 7 f.

[4] Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 15 f.

[5] Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 19 ff.

[6] Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 24 ff.

[7] Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 28 ff.

[8] Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 49 ff.

[9] Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 67 ff.

[10] Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 77 f.

[11] Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 84.

[12] Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 86 f.

[13] Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, p. 98 f.

[14] Alfred Farner: History of the Turnerschaft Rhenania. Bern 1918, pp. 118, 134.

[15] Hans Moll, Moritz Lustenberger, Walter Irmiger: Festschrift for the 150th anniversary of the Academic Gymnastics Association Rhenania in Bern 1816-1966. Liestal 1966, p. 39 f.

[16] Hans Moll, Moritz Lustenberger, Walter Irmiger: Festschrift for the 150th anniversary of the Academic Gymnastics Association Rhenania in Bern 1816-1966. Liestal 1966, p. 95 f.

[17] Hans Moll, Moritz Lustenberger, Walter Irmiger: Festschrift for the 150th anniversary of the Academic Gymnastics Association Rhenania in Bern 1816-1966. Liestal 1966, p. 45 ff.

[18] Hans Moll, Moritz Lustenberger, Walter Irmiger: Festschrift for the 150th anniversary of the Academic Gymnastics Association Rhenania in Bern 1816-1966. Liestal 1966, p. 48 f.

[19] Hans Moll, Moritz Lustenberger, Walter Irmiger: Festschrift for the 150th anniversary of the Academic Gymnastics Association Rhenania in Bern 1816-1966. Liestal 1966, p. 50 f.

[20] Hans Moll, Moritz Lustenberger, Walter Irmiger: Festschrift for the 150th anniversary of the Academic Gymnastics Association Rhenania in Bern 1816-1966. Liestal 1966, p. 100 f.