“Do kumme de Düsdorfer Äsele, et es Meddach!” Can you imagine hearing that shout across the fields? It’s all about this fellow here the De Duisdorfer Äsel Statue. This donkey statue in Bonn-Duisdorf isn’t just a cute sculpture. It’s a proud emblem for the town.
The De Duisdorfer Äsel Statue reminds everyone of a unique piece of local history. Once upon a time, Duisdorf farmers took their grain to the Lessenicher water mill. Their donkeys, loaded with grain sacks, were incredibly punctual. Arriving like clockwork at noon.
The farmers working in the fields used these donkeys as their timekeepers. When they saw the donkeys they would shout. “Do kumme de Düsdorfer Äsele, et es Meddach!” This translates to “Here come the Duisdorf donkeys, it is midday!”
The phrase became so popular it stuck to all the people of Duisdorf. Instead of being insulted, the residents embraced the donkey as their symbol. The De Duisdorfer Äsel Statue represents their humor and resilience.
But how did this statue come to be? It wasn’t magically erected one day. The community rallied together. They organized fundraising events. A papier-mâché and plywood donkey was paraded around Duisdorf to collect donations.
Eventually, they raised enough money. Artist Hellmut Moos created the donkey sculpture. In April 2004, stonemason Günter Floßdorf from Bonn-Ückesdorf placed the De Duisdorfer Äsel Statue. It sits proudly on the edge of the market square.
The De Duisdorfer Äsel Statue is more than art. It tells a story of community spirit, a funny nickname, and local pride. The De Duisdorfer Äsel Statue stands as a testament to Duisdorf’s unique identity. Next time you are in Bonn-Duisdorf, take a moment to appreciate this charming statue. Remember the story of the punctual donkeys. Consider the clever people who embraced their nickname. The De Duisdorfer Äsel Statue is a reminder that sometimes the most ordinary things have the most extraordinary stories.