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Charivari (decorative chain)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A "classic" hunting and dress charivari. With fox nose as the centre, semi-precious stones, raptor claw and "Schergraberl" (mole paw). Upper Bavaria, late 20th-century

Charivari (pronounced /ˌʃɑːrɪˈvɑːri/) is a piece of costume jewellery popular in the German state of Bavaria. Made of solid silver or silver-plated chain, it is decorated with gemstones, coins, medals, horn, and small body parts from a variety of animals.[1][2]

Origin and use

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The name charivari derives from the Latin caribaria meaning "mess" or "madness". It also means "pandemonium" or "commotion". This meaning has continued in both English and French.[3][4]

Bavarian men wear the charivari on the belt of their lederhosen. The charivari traditionally served as jewellery or as a talisman for a successful hunt. It likely developed from a watch chain, from which were hung with hunting trophies.[5] It could not be bought, was carefully preserved and was passed down in a single family through the generations. Some old charivaris have values of up to 10,000 euros (about £8,770). The chain for women is usually finer, made of "Erbsketten" and decorated with talismen.

Charivari Arizona-style
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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "German Hunting Amulets (Charivari) | R·Seitz: Talisman". Rseitz.com. 28 July 2014. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  2. ^ "A South German Luxurious Charivari, 19th/20th Century Heavy Silver Stock Photo, Picture And Royalty Free Image. Pic. 51538727". Alamy.com. 21 April 2011. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  3. ^ "charivari - Wiktionary". En.wiktionary.org. 25 January 2016. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  4. ^ "charivari - definition of charivari in English from the Oxford dictionary". Oxforddictionaries.com. Archived from the original on July 6, 2012. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  5. ^ "Our Tracht". Alpenlandtaenzer.com. Retrieved 28 February 2016.