This is a Lederhosen, which is German attire for special events or festivals, similar to how people wear suits to important events. When I was young, from ages 9 months-9 years old, I lived in a small town called New Braunfels, Texas. This town has German roots, as it was established as a haven for Germans by the prince of Solms- Braunfels. Because of this, there are many German traditions such as architecture and festivals that exist in this town. There was one called Wurstfest, which my family went to every year, which had grilled sausage (wurst means a type of sausage in German), drinks, and live music and dancing, with everyone dressed in German attire, such as this Lederhosen. I vividly remember going with my parents and siblings yearly and dancing and eating bratwurst, which is basically just a pork or beef sausage. This connects to my family because my great-great-grandfather, Hans Ludwig Meyer (or Fritzi for short), immigrated from Germany to the United States during World War Two. He left Germany because he didn’t want to be forced to serve the horrific Nazi regime, and came to America for the freedom and opportunities for jobs that exist here. After he made this choice, it is said that his wealthy family disowned him, due to leaving their country. For Fritzi, to be an American meant to have the freedom to have so many opportunities and to be able to contribute his culture to American society as a whole, without exclusion.

– L

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more