The origins of this carnival custom and of the fountain date well back into the 17th century. There are many legends told about the historical figure Margaret Schell, who often had to carry her drunk husband, Peter Schell, home.

Founded in 1885, the guild of carpenters, turners and coopers is the guardian of the Greth Schell tradition and in 1977 it established the sculpture above the fountain. At the carnival Greth Schell carries her drunken husband, who is wearing a dunce cap, home in a pannier on her back. The couple are accompanied by seven drinking buddies, the "Lölis", who annoy the onlookers and scare the children. One of these, the "Zytlöli" carries a dial on his back to indicate the lateness of the hour. The children scream "Greth Schällebei!" and are given tasty treats, pastries and sausages.