Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

"Heil Dir im Siegerkranz". Nationale Feier- und Gedenktage als Formen kollektiver Identifikation

2005; Brill; Volume: 57; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1163/1570073053978924

1570-0739

Joachim H. Knoll,

Abstract Starting from a political controversy and a wide-ranging media-discussion, the article examines the evolution of German national holidays from the "Kaiserreich" to the reunited Federal Republic (1871-2005). The author lists the dates and attributes of the national festivities (national emblems, national colors, national anthem) and asks to what extent national days can contribute to a collective identification with the given state and its political system. In the process of change one identifies a long run from emotional festivity towards a rather rational attitude in celebrating the National Day. The future of the current German national holiday (October 3) in the frame of a 'democratic culture' is far away from being settled.