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> It seemed like a typical bar hang — until one of the guys planted a little flag on the table: an insignia for their group. That seemed a bit odd: Why do these
by tejohnso 2y ago
> It seemed like a typical bar hang — until one of the guys planted a little flag on the table: an insignia for their group.
That seemed a bit odd: Why do these pals have a flag? Turns out, this was no random meetup for a pint. It was a Stammtisch.
"It was a Stammtisch" doesn't explain why there was a flag placed on the table other than that maybe it's common for a flag to be part of this kind of gathering group. But still....why? There are plenty of groups that meet regularly. It's unusual to plant a flag like that. Book clubs, bridge game meetups, regular pints with a friend group (that isn't a Stammtisch), Sunday brunch group, etc. None of these kinds of groups plant flags.
- jprete 2y agoBook clubs and other discussion-focused groups that are open to new attendees often put up a "flag" so the new people can find the group in a public place. It's just not a literal flag, but some other kind of sign. If the group's activity is easily visible and distinct from what everyone else is doing, it's not necessary.
- The_Colonel 2y ago> There are plenty of groups that meet regularly. Stammtisch can be used like that, but it can also mean the physical table ("Tisch" means table) where a specific group meets. Meaning, in some pubs, a table marked as such is effectively reserved only for this specific group of regulars. I think this is getting rarer, but I still see it from time to time.
- RamblingCTO 2y agoBut it does. It's simply German culture. I left another comment about the community and identity part that comes into this on another comment.
- em-bee 2y agoour linux user group puts up a penguin. since the meeting is always in the same pub, the penguin is left there on a shelf when not in use