woensdag 28 mei 2014

Ampelmann

This is the "Ampelmann" (little traffic light man), the symbol shown on pedestrian signals in the former German Democratic Republic or East Germany. Prior to German reunification in 1990 the two German states had different forms for the Ampelmannchen, with a generic human figure in West Germany and a generally male figure wearing a hat in the east.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall the Ampelman has survived the end of the Iron Curtain with his popularity and acquired cult status. The pedestrian lights in Berlin still have this little man and it has become a popular souvenir item in the tourism business.
Linking this to Signs Signs

17 opmerkingen:

  1. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, b. I was there just last week and didn't notice.

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  2. This is really neat. Ours are just red, amber n green - that's it. Love yours.

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  3. That is interesting to hear how they were different. I always get confused in California where the man is white and not green.

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  4. I can see why he is popular. Very cute!

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  5. Well this little fellow is much more fun than a plain old coloured light Marianne :)

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  6. I came back home with an ampleman cake tin.. :o)

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  7. I did not know this. They need a Amplewomann also.

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  8. Erg leuk! Grappig dat het een souvenir item geworden is.

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  9. I prefer the traffic man from East Germany. We have a hand that tells us not to walk.

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  10. De enige stad die deze verkeerslichten heeft. Heel leuk als je daar bent.

    Groetjes,
    Filip

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  11. Dearest Marianne,
    That is really a 'man' inside these pedestrian lights! Very unique and they sure ought to keep them working.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  12. He is cute, so I can see why tourist want to bring his image home with them. Thanks for sharing your excellent photos.

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  13. It is a cute symbol! Completely unlike the ones we see here.

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  14. He has a very purposeful and upbeat stride. Way more personality than the universal man symbol you usually see.

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  15. Very interesting! The symbol looks like a cross in the 2nd photo. I wonder if there was an underlying message, not from you, but from the original creators.
    Peace :)

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