The subjective sense of home in Lusatia

The feeling of home in Lusatia is based on a multitude of elements that are deeply rooted in the regional identity. It is a complex network of language, landscape, history, customs, everyday networks, culture of remembrance and the perception of continuity. These factors together create an emotional basis on which people can share their belongings with the regionbuild up. The subjective sense of home is not a static state, but a living process that is constantly evolving and is shaped both by individual experiences and by community developments. It is the inner map that connects the people in Lusatia with their homeland and forms the basis for a deep emotional connection to the region.

Language and traditions as a bearer of identification

Language and traditions take up a central space in the development of a sense of home. The Sorbian language, which is still present in Lusatia, acts as a living expression of cultural peculiarity and creates a direct connection to the past. The passing on of language by families, schools and cultural associations ensures that they are not only used as a fragment of aearlier time, but continues to act as a living element of the present. The care of Sorbian costumes, festivals and customs is more than just preserving traditions; They are visible signs of cultural independence and offer concrete points of contact for community and identification. These rituals and customs that are alive in everyday life, at festivals and in clubsare held, create a community experience that strengthens the sense of belonging and creates a cross-generational connection.

Places and landscapes as emotional reference points

The landscape of the Lausitz, characterized by pond landscapes, hedges, forests and the footsteps of mining and industry, is another cornerstone of the sense of home. Places and landscapes are not only physical spaces, but also bearers of personal and collective stories. The memory of mining, lakes and industrial history gives the region a specific topographythe memory that creates emotional bonds. Any place, be it the old brickworks, the disused opencast mine or the historic craft village, can become a symbol of their identity for individuals and communities. These places are indicators of the continuity of life in Lusatia, they tell stories of change, work and community and contribute toto keep the subjective sense of home alive.

Traditional festivals and rituals as connecting elements

Regularly recurring festivals and rituals form another anchor in people’s consciousness. They provide recurring points of reference over the course of the year, with language, music, craftsmanship and community in the center of attention. These events are not just celebrations, but living mediators of traditions passed on from generation to generation. herStrengthen the sense of community, promote identification with the region and preserve the cultural heritage. The connection between the past and the present becomes visible and noticeable, which strengthens the feeling of home in a special way.

Everyday networks and social anchoring

In addition to the cultural and landscape elements, the everyday networks in clubs, church communities, craft businesses and neighborhoods are crucial for the feeling of belonging. They offer reliability, social roles and mutual support in everyday life. These networks are concrete places of the community where reliability and solidarity are felt.become. They create social ties that anchor the sense of home in everyday life and give people the feeling of being part of a living community. The maintenance of material and immaterial cultural assets, for example through museums, archives or educational work on site, reinforces this feeling because they reflect, preserve and actively pass on history.

Change, continuity and economic development

The economic development of Lusatia has a significant influence on the sense of belonging. Despite structural change and industrial upheaval, the perception of continuity and stability remains an important basis for the sense of home. When people experience that their region remains economically stable, jobs are secured and the social structure remains intact, it growssense of security and connectedness. The perception that the region is developing despite changes and preserving its identity promotes the subjective sense of home. The visible recognition of regional peculiarities also contributes to the outside world. Bilingual signage, cultural events and tourist offers that show the features of Lusatiamake, strengthen the pride and self-awareness of the residents. This public presence creates a common line of identity that strengthens the sense of belonging.

Priorities and Strategic Considerations

Decision-makers should keep an eye on the balance between preservation and adaptation when promoting a sense of home. It is important to preserve the authentic forms of cultural expression and at the same time create space for innovation. The support of local culture carriers, clubs and initiatives is essential to preserve the living culture. The integration is particularly importantyoung people in the cultivation of traditions in order to ensure cultural continuity for the future. Promoting a conscious approach to history, customs and language as well as the active design of regional identity are central tasks in order to strengthen the subjective sense of home in Lusatia in the long term.

The emotional foundation of Lusatia

The subjective sense of home in Lusatia is a complex construction based on the lively connection between language, landscape, history, customs, everyday networks and a culture of remembrance. It is the emotional foundation on which people build their identity and feel their belonging to the region. This feeling grows through the sharing of traditions thatMaintaining the landscape, shaping community life and appreciating one’s own history. It is a dynamic force that combines the region’s change with the desire to preserve the familiar and at the same time be open to development and change. The conscious care and promotion of these elements are crucial to the individual and collective sense of home into permanently strengthen the Lusatia.