Haes, Larve and Bells: Costumes and Masks of Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet
The costume (Haes) and the mask (Larve) define the figures of Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet, also called Fastnacht, in southwestern Germany, Switzerland and neighboring regions. Long before a parade comes into view, the ringing of bells carries through the streets. Then the garments and masks become visible too. What lies behind them, and where does their look come from? This article in Fasnet-Kompass gives an overview without focusing on one town or one guild.
What Are Haes and Larve?
The Haes is the garment of a Fasnet figure. It often consists of fabric with sewn-on elements and is matched to the character the wearer plays in the parade. The Larve is the matching mask. Traditionally it is carved from wood and assigned to a particular figure of the guild. The two elements form a unit, which is why Haes and Larve are always named together.
This is no random disguise. Figures and garments are usually tied to local legends or to the history of the guild in question, so their look varies from place to place. The same type of garment can be designed differently in two neighboring towns, because each rests on its own story. There is no single model that applies everywhere.
The Larve: A Carved Wooden Mask
The Larve is the best-known part of the costume. Traditionally it is carved from wood and shaped to suit the figure it belongs to. It is made by craftspeople known as mask carvers. We will not go into the details of their work here, but with their craft they give the face of a figure an unmistakable, recognizable expression.
Because the Larve belongs to a specific figure of the guild, it is no prop for a single season. Masks and garments are often looked after and handed down for years, which also explains why they mean so much to those who wear them. Every carved wooden mask carries the story of the figure it embodies.
The Bells: The Sound of the Parade
The third element is the bells, meaning the larger and smaller bells worn on the garment. Their typical sound goes with the figures on their way through the parade. It shapes the impression as strongly as the appearance does, since it can be heard before the whole procession comes into view.
Together, Haes, Larve and bells make a coherent whole. The garment expresses the character of the figure, the mask gives it a face, and the bells lend its movement a voice. That is one way to understand how the parts work together: each has its own task, but only combined do they make the figure.
Why Do Haes and Larve Matter So Much?
Haes and Larve bring local history closer to spectators, because each figure connects to a legend or to the history of the guild. Their value also lies in their durability. Since masks and garments are passed on and cared for over the years, the tradition stays alive in objects you can touch. Anyone who attends a parade or reads about Fasnet should keep this background in mind.
You can find more on Fasnet tradition and Guggenmusik in other articles of Fasnet-Kompass.