Following the ancient pagan 'allemanisch' customs, in the village of Elzach in Germany's Black Forest, this torch parade of 2000 to 3000 masked creatures, named 'Schuttig', dance along the darkened town streets, shaking their lit torches and hitting the ground with pigs' bladders. The masks, traditionally made of linden wood, are to help hide the bearer from evil spirits and ghosts; as well as to flee from day-to-day hectic, by becoming someone else, by having a different face. The head-dress is covered in snail shells. The noise is to scare the spirits away. Such a parade is recorded in Elzach in history in 1530.I was able to attend this unique event with my daughter (Stephanie) and her family, the evening of Feb. 15, 2015. Henning Muendel
