Charivari (jewelry chain)
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The Charivari (pronounced “Sharivari”) is a solid silver or, more rarely, silver-plated jewelry chain , on which bells , d. H. Gemstones , coins (silver coins and medals), horn discs, grandeln , caretakers (stunted deer or deer antlers), animal paws, badger beards, teeth of huntable animals or the like are attached.
Word origin
The French word charivari came into the German-speaking area during the Napoleonic period. In French it means something like "noise", "noise", " cat music " or "spectacle". This initially resulted in the meanings “cat music” and “mess” in German.
In the 14th century, old French chalivali had the meaning "Noise made with pots and pans". The word goes back to the late Latin caribaria "severe headache" and the Greek karebaria "headache", a combination of kare "head" and barys "heavy".
Origin and Distribution
It is traditionally worn by men on the bib of their traditional lederhosen. The charivari served as jewelry or as a talisman for a successful hunt and was a valuable status symbol for farmers. The Charivari probably originated from a watch chain that was attached to the buttonhole of the traditional vest and hung with various trophies from time to time. It was not allowed to be bought, only given away, it was passed on for generations. There are ancient Charivaris that are worth over 10,000 euros.
Charivaris are common in the entire Eastern Alps . Wearing is currently back in fashion and is being introduced and revived by more and more traditional costume associations across Bavaria.
variants
The length of a charivari for the gentleman is usually 33 cm; it is made of either 800 or newer 925 silver. The chain for the lady is much more filigree, mostly made of so-called pea chains; it can also be hung with small talismans cast from solid silver (e.g. fox heads, small deer antlers, small coins).
There are also charivarias, which are elaborately made from composite deer antlers or fox teeth. With modern Charivaris people like to do without animal materials and replace them e.g. B. by metal castings.
Charivari with silver coins from Bavaria,
19./20. century
