When you’re sitting cross-legged, what do you call that position? In English, you might say you are “sitting Indian style”, but in German, that is the so-called Schneidersitz (“tailor’s sitting position”).
The Schneidersitz describes a very typical cross-legged position that you might use during meditation, classroom discussions or any other situation that requires you to sit comfortably on the ground.
This term originated several centuries ago, when tailors (Schneider) used to sew all clothing by hand. Back then, tailors often sat cross-legged on the table across from their sewing machine. This prevented any cloth or material from falling onto the ground. This position also made it easier to work with heavier material.
In workspaces that employed more than one tailor, the Schneidersitz was also a way to use up as little space as possible; a tailor’s assistant(s) were often found sitting cross-legged in the corner while they did their work.
Today, however, the Schneidersitz has little to do with tailors – especially since factories produce much of the world’s clothing.
Instead, the Schneidersitz simply refers to the cross-legged position that everyone uses at some point or another. So whether you’re sewing or meditating, now you have a name for your sitting position: the Schneidersitz!
By Nicole Glass, German Embassy
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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the study of language, culture, and historical practices, I find the exploration of unique terms and their origins to be a fascinating journey into the intricacies of human expression. The article from July 30, 2021, delves into the intriguing concept of the "Schneidersitz," shedding light on its historical roots and its evolution into a commonplace term for a cross-legged sitting position.
The term "Schneidersitz" originates from German, translating to "tailor's sitting position" in English. This nomenclature draws its essence from centuries-old practices, particularly when tailors (Schneider) exclusively crafted clothing by hand. The article vividly describes how these artisans would adopt a cross-legged posture while working, seated across from their sewing machines. This positioning served a dual purpose: preventing cloth or materials from falling onto the ground and facilitating the manipulation of heavier fabrics.
The historical context further unravels as the Schneidersitz was not merely an ergonomic choice but also a spatial one in shared workspaces. In workshops with multiple tailors, this sitting position allowed them to utilize minimal space efficiently. Tailor's assistants, depicted in the article, were commonly found nestled in corners, skillfully working in the cross-legged stance.
In the contemporary era, the Schneidersitz has transcended its association with tailors due to the advent of mass production in clothing factories. Instead, it has metamorphosed into a ubiquitous term encapsulating the cross-legged posture embraced by individuals in diverse scenarios, ranging from meditation to casual sitting during discussions.
To summarize, the Schneidersitz serves as a linguistic bridge connecting historical craftsmanship practices to the present-day vernacular. It encapsulates a tangible piece of cultural evolution, highlighting how language encapsulates the essence of human activities and experiences across time.
