Traditions, Values and Young People
The Importance of Festivals for Young People
As part of the project work, a discussion was held via a Facebook forum that we set up for the ourpose of discussions. In connection with the topics of festivals, one question was discussed:
What is the festival you like most, and why?
The answers were:
"I like Christmas the most. There you got presents and the whole family is together. We have a delicious dinner."
P. (girl), Mülheim
"I like New Year’s Eve best, because my family and I celebrate it together. We have things like raclette or cheese fondue for dinner. After this we play a game called “Singstar”. I really love singing, even if I can’t sing well. In addition we do lead-pouring and light fireworks. It’s always very nice to celebrate this with my family and we have a lot of fun."
A. (girl), Mülheim
"Christmas is the best festival for me because then the whole family is together and you get nice presents. I like the atmosphere before Christmas and the fairy lights on the christmas tree. I like this festival so much because there are some nice songs and Christmas market."
S. (girl), Mülheim
"I'm not sure, I don't like those festivals that much because my family is broken so the atmosphere is a bit close ..."
anonymous, Mülheim
"I like Christmas and Easter most. Because the atmosphere is very relaxed and my (almost) whole family comes together. But the Festival I like the least is New Years Eve. I don't like it because I have a phobia of Fireworks (Bad accident)."
L. (girl), Mülheim
"When new years eve is a festival, too, then I would say that's my favorite.
I love it because I can choose between my family and my friends. Lately I choose my friends because it makes a lot more fun than sheltered with my Dad, my granny and the whole rest .. And I also love the fireworks, they can be colored or just very noiseful. Its a big fun, too that nobody cares about what you do (we've blowed up grandma's ash can while we stood on it). I like that a new year starts and those stupid promises that never seem to be taken back. I'm delighted that I can burn some things ... That I can be awake till the end isn't important for me, I'm awake as long as I want every day. Another very pretty point is that we're outside."
J. (girl), Mülheim
"I like Christmas the most , because everybody gets presents and spends time with their family. On Christmas you don’t think about your problems and just let it go. About 5 years ago , I liked Easter more than Christmas. But then one Easter-Sunday I stepped on a pin. It really hurt and since that day , I don’t like Easter anymore."
J. (girl), Mülheim)
"Christmas Eve, because on this evening I am together with my family and of course we give each other presents. It’s wonderful every year. I can see some family members, too."
L. & L. (girls), Mülheim
"In Germany the traditional festivals are Christmas, Easter and Nicolas. At every festival we get a present; I get the biggest present at Easter and Christmas. At all festivals I go to church and all my friends in my neighbourhood too."
C. (boy), Mülheim
"I like christmas most because I have then a wonderful time with my family and my friends with a very good atmosphere."
D. (girl), Mülheim