It is already known from ancient Greece that humor has always been an important part of life. The humor symbol “clown” developed in the 16th century from the zanni, the servant figures in the commedia dell’arte who made fun of the nobles. The name “Zanni” is a pet form of Giovanni, a typical servant name at that time, in German: Johannes. So it’s no wonder that in Germany the clowns are called Hanswurst, in Austria the much more distinguished Kasperl comes much later. The circus clown appears in the 19th century. His special feature: the pantomime.
Do you know Khaby Lame? – Humor without language: return to the 19th century
