St. Pölten in the dispute: Moon-star festival instead of Martin parade

St. Pölten in the dispute: Moon-star festival instead of Martin parade

In a kindergarten in St. Pölten, an unusual decision causes excitement. Instead of the conventional Martinsfest, in which the focus and charity are the focus, a "moon-star festival" is celebrated this year. Saint Martin, a Roman soldier from the 4th century, which is known for his kindness, is traditionally worshiped in this celebration. His best -known work is the sharing of his coat with a freezing beggar, which makes him a symbol of compassion and charity.

This decision to replace Saint Martin with the “moon bear” has not been well received by many parents in Austria. You see it as a frontal attack on the Christian values that you want to convey to your children. An affected parent could describe how it feels when the living traditions that they consider important are replaced by an alternative, lesser -known celebration. Political voices also mix into the debate. Martin Antauer, a local council of the Freedom Party, was outraged: "A moon-and-star festival instead of a lantern festival in honor of St. Martin. He criticized the decision as a "preceding obedience" and made it clear that the Austrian traditions have to be defended.

political reactions and public opinion

The dispute over the Martin Festival is reminiscent of similar controversy from the past. Last year, a protest from parents rose against the ban on Nikolo in a kindergarten in Fels on Wagram. There, too, the traditional customs were questioned due to consideration for traumatized integration children. Ultimately, after an intervention by Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Nikolaus was still able to visit the children.

In St. Pölten, however, the parents seem to be less optimistic that their voices will be heard. At a request from the "Kronen Zeitung", the responsible department of the country replied that the moon bear was more suitable in order to convey the two -year values such as sharing and consideration.

The feeling that traditional celebrations such as the Martinsfest or Santa Claus are not valued enough is perceived by many as worrying. The discussion about the importance of traditions and their rejection or adaptation to modern circumstances divides the opinions - so it remains to be seen how the dispute over the celebrations for the celebrations in St. Pölten will develop.