Rheinischer Verein of Milwaukee
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Prinzenpaar - The Prinzenpaar reigns from their crowning until a new Prince is crowned the following year. The date of the crowning will be announced by the club.
Prinz - The official figure of the Karneval festivities. Prinze Karneval is in charge of leading everyone through the Karneval season, filled with fun and frivolity. His clothing reflects his status and is fashioned after what monarchs would have worn hundreds of years ago.
Princessin - Accompanies the Prinz throughout the season and adds her touch to the events and parties she attends. Her royal gowns and tiara also reflect her status and are beautifully ornate.
Hoffmarschall - The Prinz Karneval's attendant. The Hoffmarschall is responsible for guarding the Prinz and his scepter everywhere the Prinz goes.
Adjutant - The Prinzessin's attendant. The Adjutant is responsible for guarding the Prinzessin wherever she goes. This is very important as many will try to 'steal' the Prinzessin. If successful, the Adjutant has to pay ransom to get her back, usually a round of beer or schnapps.
Hofdame - The Prinzessin's "lady in waiting." The Hofdame attends to all the Prinzessin's personal needs, including helping her to get dressed and ready for all of the events.
Kinderprinzenpaar - In many areas, children's Prinz and Princessin is also crowned, who reign over the children's activities as well as joining in with the adults in the Karneval fun.
Hoppeditz - The Hoppeditz is a jester, the Spirit of Karneval, that symbolizes the start and end of the Karneval. He rises on November 11th at 11:11am, and is laid to rest the night before Ash Wednesday
Schutzmann - The Policeman. He oversees the Hoppeditz and party goers to ensure a safe environment so everyone can have fun.
Mundschenk - The wine steward of Karneval. The Mundschenk is responsible for keeping the chalice full of wine, so no one ever gets thirsty.
Prinzgarde - Group responsible for gaurding of the Prinz and Prinzessin at all the events they attend. They march in first and lead the royalty to the main stage of the event.
Elferrat - Councel of Elders responsible for oversight of the events and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. They support the Prinze and Prinzessin and their entourage.
Tanzgarde - Performers of traditional Karneval dancing who entertain the guests at the events.
Dreigstern (Triple Star) - in Cologne and surrounding areas, three characters make up the leadership figures of Karnval. They are the Prinz, the Jungfrau (Prinzessin), and the Bauer (Peasant). In the City of Cologne, all three are men who add to the fun and the frivolity of the season.
Totengraeber - The grave diggers who lay our Hoppeditz to rest at the end of the season, until we meet again next time dear friend!