A famous German children's song, popular in the south of Germany and Switzerland, has gone viral in Catalonia for a coincidence in its chorus: the repeated "Bi-Ba-butzemann" sounds similar to the Spanish "viva Puigdemont". A listener told radio programme Versió RAC1 of the find, which has caused a buzz online.
The Butzemann, originally a German bogeyman, is, in the song's lyrics, collected by the Grimm brothers, described as a small elf-like creature who dances round houses at night giving apples to well-behaved children.
As TV3's correspondent in Germany, Oriol Serra, explained to radio program Estat de Gràcia, the song is also used for a children's game. Kids sit in a circle with one, the Butzemann, dancing round the outside carrying a bag. The Butzemann leaves their bag behind one of the other kids who then has to catch them before they can run round the circle and sit in their place. If they don't get caught, they take that kid's place, who becomes the new Butzemann, otherwise it's their turn again.
Translation: Long live Puigdemont! In Germany, in 1800, he was already admired
The key to understand German sympathies for Puigdemont. A kids song says, clearly, "Viva Puigdemont"
What are these Germans like, indoctrinating children in favour of the Catalan Republic?
Savage indoctrination of German kids. Bi ba butzemann, viva Puigdemont. Thanks Versió Rac1, now I'll be singing that until tomorrow...