German journeymen keep up centuries old tradition

In medieval times, those wishing to become members of a guild had to start as an apprentice, qualify as a journeyman and finally become a master.

This concept has died out in many countries, but is still practised in Germany where men and some women still follow the tradition but they have to be travelling away from their homes for three years and one day as they often wander across Europe for experience.

These journeymen have completed their apprenticeships but have to learn greater skills before they are admitted as masters of their chosen trade or craft.

German journeymen keep up centuries old tradition as they wander across Europe for three years

There are quite a number of rules that the German journeymen have to follow, one of the most important being that they have to start their three years of travelling before they reach the age of 30 and must be unmarried, childless and free of debt

They are required to wear traditional attire which includes a six button jacket which represents a six day work ethic and they also sew eight buttons on to another piece of clothing which signify that they will follow an eight hour work day whilst three buttons on a jacket sleeve represent a three year apprenticeship.

Trousers are bell-bottoms in order to prevent sawdust, wood or stone chips getting into the shoes whilst many journeymen, especially those that are training for the sea wear a bright gold earring which may be sold to pay for funeral should they die whilst abroad.

German journeymen keep up centuries old tradition which now prohibits mobile phones

Under current rules, mobile phones are not permitted and the journeymen should not use any form of paid for transport so that their options are to walk or hitchhike and in Germany particularly their clothing is easily recognised and people regularly stop and help them as they move across the country.

The journey that they undertake is known as the Wanderjahre and when they return home after they have completed their period of studying, they are expected to climb over the place-name sign of their town.