Münsterpfleger

Red Baron has always admired and supported the Freiburg Minster church and its spire,  according to Jacob Burckhardt, the most beautiful on earth (der schönste Turm auf Erden),

When I moved to Freiburg in 2001, I noticed that the Münsterbauverein (MBV, Minster Building Association) was not represented on the Internet. So, I built their first homepage, which was eventually replaced in 2012 by a more professional presentation by specialists.

As remuneration, the MBV presented me with a slice of an original medieval pinnacle, which I proudly displayed on my balcony. It is now integrated into Elisabeth's and my tombstone.

Note the stonemason's mark.

Last year, the MBV invited its members to become more financially active by reviving the medieval Münsterpfleger (Minster caretake).

Eventually, I received a photo of my investiture as Münsterpfleger. Red Baron wears a too-small cape that was only available for photo shooting. The picture was taken on the fringe of the opening of an exhibition of gargoyles from the Minster church.

©Daniel Schoenen/MBV

Here are some highlights of the gargoyle exhibition. Gargoyles on medieval cathedrals, such as the woman with only one tooth, are believed to deter evil spirits. 

During the early Reformation, nuns left their convents and frequently married runaway monks, which led to a particular interpretation of the gargoyle. The rumor spread that only nuns with teeth were allowed to marry. In this sense, the water-spouting nun presents her one remaining tooth: Look, I am still available for marriage.

One tooth only

Aufhockers (crouchers) are a popular motif for gargoyles in medieval churches. They depict people having nightmares, with humans or wild animals crouching on them, giving them bad dreams.

The oldest gargoyle at the Minster church dates from 1240

A billy goat crouching on a man symbolizes lust (wet dreams?)

The sow symbolizes gluttony.

Blecken, i.e., showing the butt
was a well-known motif in the Middle Ages to deter evil spirits.
Nowadays, the word blacken is used only in the combination of Zähne blecken:
A dog bares its teeth.

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