Sven the Journeyman

[@mrrumphf]

Awsome stuff - seeing a backpacker/chippie in a suit is a classic. Massive commitment for 3 years. Brilliant story - bring more on.

[@monkeydank7842]

A great combination between tradition and globalisation.

[@dus2cra]

very interesting...thank you

[@byronbuxton8214]

I worked as a carpenter in Germany for seven years. When we travelled around with the firm I worked for we stopped for a Journeyman. The Germans told me they were called Rolands Brudders and they sew a button on the side of their trousers, one for each year they are away from home! I see no buttons here so is there a difference between journeymen and Rolands Brudders? Any information appreciated! Regards PB UK.

[@ennykraft]

There are several journeymen's associations in here Germany (the Rolands Brüder being one of them) and while they share a lot of their traditions, there are some customs that are unique. The buttons are one example, the length of their journey, the clothes they wear and whether they accept women are others.

[@byronbuxton8214]

Ah so I wasn't misinformed! Great tradition that I enjoyed hearing about. Thanks for the information Enny Kraft. Regards, Paul Bucky, UK.

[@rippspeck]

As far as I am aware, it differs from region to region and craft to craft. Die Einen so, die Anderen so. That's a Jewish saying, I believe. I'm no craftsman so I don't even dare speaking on their traditions but you can safely assume that the button thing is not being done everywhere. Never even heard of Rolandsbrüder but considering the name, it seems to be some kind of brotherhood or guild related to your craft which sports the tradition you mentioned. Sources: being German and knowing plenty of craftsmen (only a few of them went on actual journey, tho).

[@albthrasher6567]

The Rolands Brothers wear a Blue Ehrbarkeit, thr guys with the buttons on the trousers are the Freie Vogtländer

[@hansmuller4338]

"rechtschaffen" means righteous