Aschenlauge: Die Alte Kultur Der Bauern

Structures that have existed since the Middle Ages shaped the life and work of farmers up to the 20th century. However, the rapid changes after the Second World War largely made the old rural culture disappear. With this book, Roland Girtler is setting a monument to her. Up until the middle of the 20th century, women farmers washed their laundry with ash liquor - a mixture of ash and water. They made this detergent themselves and didn't have to buy soap. Ash liquor symbolizes a time when farmers were self-employed and made most of the things in life themselves. Roland Girtler brings this time back to life. In his book, maidservants, farmhands, farmers and artisans have their say, who still experienced the old rural culture up to its profound cultural and technological change from the 1950s. They tell of poverty and hard work, of solidarity and satisfaction. They remember their leisure time activities and celebrations, the social status of women, the importance of poachers, the often bad treatment of maids and servants, medical care, dealing with death and much more. Your memories paint a vivid picture of rural life as it used to be.