Lusatian myths as the foundation of cultural identity

Myths form an essential part of the cultural identity of the Lusatian Sorbs. They act as a living bridge between past and present by preserving memories of the beginnings of settlement, traditional ways of life and historical experiences. The passing on of such narratives from generation to generation creates a feeling ofTogetherness and a shared wealth of experience that has a lasting influence on the Sorbian community. These stories help not to let the big and small experiences of the ancestors fall into oblivion and offer an identity-forming support that is of particular importance in a constantly changing world.

Linguistic identity and oral tradition

The Lusatian myths are inextricably linked to the Sorbian language. Every story, every fairy tale, every legend is traditionally passed on in its own language and thus contributes to keeping expressions, idioms and everyday language alive. The stories reflect the peculiarities, the beauty and the peculiarities of the Sorbian language,which makes a direct contribution to the care and preservation of this cultural good. Language lives through the stories, and the stories live through language – this interaction strengthens the linguistic identity of the Sorbs and gives it an incomparable depth.

Customs, festivals and their mythical roots

Many Sorbian customs, festivals and rituals have their origins in the ancient myths and legends of Lusatia. The connection between narrative tradition and festival culture ensures that mythical substances are not only visible in literature and stories, but also in public and community life. Folk festivals based on ancient legends, rituals that are known to the famous legendsRemembering, and actions that go back to mythical ideas in their symbolism make the tradition tangible for everyone. This is how cultural practice is filled with meaning, and the myths do not remain abstract, but are revived again and again through joint celebration and action.

Local roots by legends and legends

Myths and legends are closely tied to concrete places, field names and landscape features of Lusatia. They create a symbolic connection between man and home by charging the environment with stories and thus strengthening the bond with one’s own region. Local and landscape legends legitimize cultural claims to certain places, promote awareness of the special nature of theown home and give it an unmistakable character. This local rooting is of central importance for the Sorbs’ self-image and for their sense of belonging.

Collective Identity and Common Pride

Divided myths and legends act as identification anchors for the Sorbian community. They offer each individual the opportunity to identify with their own culture and to draw self-confidence from them. In a region where cultural diversity and external influences have always been present, the stories help to raise awareness of their own history andto preserve your own values. The pride in one’s own origins is strengthened by the myths and forms an important basis for harmonious coexistence and a self-confident representation of one’s own culture to the outside world.

Education, mediation and cultural heritage

Myths serve as a valuable instrument of cultural mediation and education. The stories pass on values, wisdom and historical experiences to the younger generations. They offer low-threshold access to in-depth questions of their own origin, the environment and the way of life. At the same time, they open up opportunities to deal with history andto deal with the traditions of the Sorbs and thereby further develop the cultural heritage in a lively way. The treasure trove of legends thus acts as an important medium for the transmission of culture and for strengthening the sense of community.

Visibility, Tourism and Cultural Exchange

The Lusatian myths contribute significantly to the visibility of the Sorbian culture in the region and beyond. They make the cultural peculiarities of the Sorbs tangible for outsiders and increase attention to this unique community. Myths and legends invite not only locals but also visitors to discover the Lusatia and its history.This opens up sustainable opportunities for cultural exchange and promotes tourism, which in turn contributes to the local economy. The cultivation and mediation of the myths thus creates added value for the entire region and makes an active contribution to the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Lusatian Sorbs.