Five men in colorful outfits

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I often hesitate to share photos here that I can’t fully explain, as if it’s better to keep them hidden from the world than to display my ignorance. I’m trying to get better about that. So here’s one. It’s a 5.75×4-inch photo my friend Christine got for me, along with several others, on a trip to Hamburg, Germany. That trip was years ago. I long ago posted several other pictures she gave me from that trip. But I just rediscovered this one, and realized I’d never shared it, even though it delights me, because I couldn’t explain it. So here it is. I have no idea who these men are, or why they’re dressed like that. Some sort of fraternal organization, I’m assuming, but I don’t really know. I can’t quite make out the details of any lettering or the medallions. I’m assuming it’s German, but I not completely certain. Any information or identification would be welcome. But in any case, enjoy!

UPDATE: My friend John suggested that these are likely members of the Royal Order of Jesters. I’d never heard of this group, and even though their hats look like jester hats, my internet searching didn’t manage to find them. They are a secretive, invitation-only fraternal organization made up of Shriners, sort of an offshoot whose purpose is just to have fun. Looks like they are succeeding.

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