Deutscher Michel
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Deutscher Michel is a personification of the German nation, much as Uncle Sam is for Americans and Marianne for the French. He is usually personified wearing a nightcap and nightgown in the colours of the German flag and represents the Germans' conception of themselves, especially in his easy-going nature and Everyman appearance. He also represents the innocent and simple person who must endure and fight against tyranny and injustice.
In German, Michel is also the (today not very often used) short form of Michael. Hamburger Michel is a nickname for the Baroque St. Michaelis Cathedral in Hamburg, Germany. It's also used as the translation for "Emil" in Emil of Lönneberga, although "Emil" also exists in German and the two names do not have anything in common.
See also
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