The story I am going to share with you was submitted by Christin. Though 'her people' have lived in Germany for quite some time they are of Slavic origin. These people, who cherish their own songs, traditions, native tongue and legends are named the Sorben.
They are a minority and Christin told me that within a 100 or 200 years from now her people will probably no longer exist in Germany as the old are dying and the young are moving out and raising their children with German traditions.
Though her culture is slowly disappearing there are still many stories and songs which are not yet forgotten. One of these stories is "Die Mittagsfrau."
NOTE: would you also like to see your story get illustrated? please check out my previous blog post here and read the guidelines.
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Story Title: Die Mittagsfrau
Submitted by: Christin Hanusch
Country: Germany
In former times the Sorben, who came from poor rural families, lived from agriculture and cattle breeding. Back in those days people had to work very hard to make a living. In the summertime, when the sun burned high in the sky, many were on the fields harvesting grain. When the sun was at its zenith, in local vernacular named; "zur Mittagszeit" (midday), one was supposed to return home for a small pause. It was said, otherwise the Mittagsfrau (midday woman) would appear and with her sickle cut off the heads of anyone still working or, at least, leave them behind in a very confused state.
One day, a young women was working on the fields. As she was completely in the rhythm of her work, she did not notice the time passing by and before she knew the clock struck twelve. When she finally stopped she noticed there was no living soul working on the fields anymore and the sun was burning at its highest point. Suddenly, out of nowhere a tall and slim woman appeared by her side. She was dressed in a white, linen cloth which flew in the wind as she came closer. When the woman in white was slowly raising her sickle in the air, the girl knew her time had come. However, she did not want to die and in fear she begged the women for a last chance.
The Mittagsfrau stopped for a moment and then asked the girl if she could tell her all she knew about flax-processing. This the girl did and she told the Mittagsfrau all that her mother had ever taught her about the process.
While talking, time went by and before they knew the church's clock struck one. As noon-time past the white shape vanished and no trace was to be found anymore of the Mittagsfrau.
She would not catch her prey that day.
Submitted by: Christin Hanusch
Country: Germany
In former times the Sorben, who came from poor rural families, lived from agriculture and cattle breeding. Back in those days people had to work very hard to make a living. In the summertime, when the sun burned high in the sky, many were on the fields harvesting grain. When the sun was at its zenith, in local vernacular named; "zur Mittagszeit" (midday), one was supposed to return home for a small pause. It was said, otherwise the Mittagsfrau (midday woman) would appear and with her sickle cut off the heads of anyone still working or, at least, leave them behind in a very confused state.
One day, a young women was working on the fields. As she was completely in the rhythm of her work, she did not notice the time passing by and before she knew the clock struck twelve. When she finally stopped she noticed there was no living soul working on the fields anymore and the sun was burning at its highest point. Suddenly, out of nowhere a tall and slim woman appeared by her side. She was dressed in a white, linen cloth which flew in the wind as she came closer. When the woman in white was slowly raising her sickle in the air, the girl knew her time had come. However, she did not want to die and in fear she begged the women for a last chance.
The Mittagsfrau stopped for a moment and then asked the girl if she could tell her all she knew about flax-processing. This the girl did and she told the Mittagsfrau all that her mother had ever taught her about the process.
While talking, time went by and before they knew the church's clock struck one. As noon-time past the white shape vanished and no trace was to be found anymore of the Mittagsfrau.
She would not catch her prey that day.
O my Lord !! Your illustrations are soooooooo beautiful!! Spellbinding! Thanks to your comment left on my blog, I have found a new world of wonder, thank you so much!!!
ReplyDeleteI'll keep on visiting your blog, it is a true feast for the eyes!
Have a nice week.