Tales from the Mennonite Heritage Archives – Episode 26
This photograph is labelled "Schluesselbundspiel (key ring game) in Chaco, Paraguay". German Schluesselbund lieder, or key ring songs, are a possible origin of Mennonite circle games. MHA Der Bote Photograph Collection 492-678.0.
Mennonites don’t dance, or do they? Can a dance by any other name still be as fun? In this episode, host Dan Dyck explores Mennonite “circle games” with the help of Werner Ens, someone who has devoted a lot of time to recording and researching these traditions, as well as ethnomusicologists Doreen Klassen and Judith Klassen. Circle games were once a popular social activity for young Mennonites in southern Manitoba, but today you would be hard-pressed to find a chance to play “The Old Dusty Millar” or “Bingo”.
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Podcast Series: Tales from the Mennonite Heritage Archives
Episode 26: Circle Games
Date: April 27, 2025
Host: Dan Dyck
Published by The Mennonite Heritage Archives
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