Medal of the Carnival Prince of Würzburg, 1965
As the Carnival Prince of Würzburg, Helmuth Osmers received this medal in 1965. At that time, the American soldier, born in 1929, was stationed in the Unterfranken city in Germany. The life of the son of German parents has been shaped since childhood by constant movements between Germany and the USA. The skyline of New York and the Old Main Bridge of Würzburg on the medal symbolize his life between two worlds, where he feels at home. The Carnival Prince is a special title within Carnival granted to a person who has made significant contributions, especially in matters of the association and the general ‘Narrenrei’. As the head of the fools, he is elected for the reign of the fifth season. Depending on the location and tradition, he may share this title with others. In the early 19th century, these medals were not yet regarded as honors, but were meant to humorously highlight the disdain for the Prussian medal holders. At that time, it was common for military or politically active officials in Prussia to wear multiple medals simultaneously. The introduction of Carnival medals was intended as a countermeasure to this ostentation.
