AVOID! – PLASTIC! – RUBBISH! – NOW! And fast. Because we already swim in it. Up to our necks.
11. May 2018
May, 26th 2018. Japan on the Rhine.
20. May 2018
“No flax”, but indeed a very useful plant
“No flax” or “without flax” is a German expression which is used, when you want to emphasize that you do not tell nonsense, no “empty stuff“, or just make jokes. And indeed the “flax” in this expression is probably due to the fact that people used to joke and tell entrtaining stories while they spent a somewhat monotonous time with the task of processing flax into linen.
What is exactly is “flax“? Flax is a well known crop, which can be used in many, very versatile ways. Linseed is a popular food product but can be further processed into paints, varnishes, printing ink, oilcloth, soft soap and linoleum. The flax fibers can be turned into a textile material, linen, and paper can be made of flax, too.
The origins: The “old” flax market
The origin of the Linner Flachsmarkt (=flax market) can be dated back to the time of Linn’s city census around 1315. Already at that time, the flax which was cultivated in this area, as well as products made of it, such as linen, were sold on the market place in Linn, Andreasmarkt, or were exchanged there for household goods or livestock. Soon, the Linn “flax market” became one of the most important market places in the region.
The Linn markets were known and loved by dealers and farmers who lived as far as Kerpen and Erkelenz. Traders and shopkeepers even came from Moers to Linn on market days and, apart from flax and linen products, they offered also iron, wood, leather and wickerwork, stones, pottery, textiles (also used), horse harnesses, grain and later, meat and bread as well.
The “new” flax market at Linn Castle
There are many “new” markets in different places that stage craftsmanship and traditional life. What turns the Linn market into something special, is among other, the ambience of the ancient Linn castle, that can be dated back to the 12th century, to knight Otto von Linn. The flax market around Linn castle, traditionally held every year at Pentecost, is good entertainment for the entire family.
There is a lot to see and to experience. Craftsmen and artisans present themselves, their profession and their work. You encounter a range of almost “extinct” professions of former times, such as weaponsmiths, scissors grinders, blueprint makers, soap makers, wigmakers, cylinder makers and many others. They show their craftsmanship, and sometimes even invite you to participate. The insight into medieval life is another key feature of the market. On the large lawn in front of the castle, knights compete in classic knight tournaments and show fights such as helmet beating and lancing. Musicians, jugglers and storytellers wander across the market in traditional-looking costumes and entertain you with stories from days gone by. Some of them might even tell “a lot of flax”, but that can be extremely entertaining, too.
