Deutscher Michel
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Der Deutsche Michel (literal. "The German Michel") is a figure representing the national character of the German people, rather as John Bull represents the British.
Overview
Such figures differ from those that serve as personifications of the nation itself, as Germania did the German nation and Marianne the French.1 He is usually depicted wearing a nightcap and nightgown, sometimes in the colours of the German flag, and represents the Germans' conception of themselves, especially in his easy-going nature and Everyman appearance. In German, Michel is also the short form of Michael, though quite rare today.
References
- ^ Eric Hobsbawm, "Mass-Producing Traditions: Europe, 1870-1914," in Eric Hobsbawm and Terence Ranger, eds., The Invention of Tradition (Cambridge, 1983), 276.
See also
- Germania, historic national personification of Germany
- Flag and Coat of Arms of Germany
- Berolina, personification of Berlin
- Hammonia, personification of Hamburg
- Bavaria, personification of the Land of Bavaria
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