Passow is reminiscent of Slavic roots: big celebrations planned!

Passow is reminiscent of Slavic roots: big celebrations planned!

History comes to life again in Passow-Wendemark: A new sign at the western entrance to the town now provides information about the Slavic ring wall, which has been a listed building since the 1950s. The initiative for this comes from the local singer and volunteer monument conservator Freddie K., who moved to Passow in 2020. On her exploration tour she noticed the ring wall, which had previously had no corresponding information. With a lot of commitment and help from experts, including archaeologist Kerstin Görlich, she compiled old documents in the Schwedt local history museum and the State Office for Monument Protection in order to bring the importance of the ring wall back into public awareness.

The new plaque, which Freddie K. wrote himself, has been in place since June 12th. Her husband designed the layout, while the city of Schwedt was responsible for the printing. The official inauguration will take place on June 20th. Local entrepreneur Udo Jung remembers that the wall used to be much larger, but decades of agricultural use have severely eroded the hill. This story shows how valuable such a commitment to local culture is.

Insight into Slavic history

Slavic history in Germany dates back to the 7th century. At this time, Germany was about a third populated by Slavs, and the influences can still be felt today. Numerous Slavic place names can be found throughout the country, and some Slavic words have found their way into the German language. The Slavic position in Mecklenburg in particular cannot be overlooked as a historical foundation. From 1950 to 1980, under the direction of Prof. Ewald Schuldt, numerous Slavic castle complexes and settlements were excavated in Mecklenburg, including the important “Slavic temple site with ramparts” in Groß Raden, which is a clear example of Slavic buildings of the time.

Against this background, Freddie K. is already planning further projects to bring Passow's Slavic history to light. This includes a viewing window at the site of a Germanic urn field as well as research into a secret cult site on the B166 with exposed rows of stones that were discovered in 2005. Their commitment is very well received and is supported by performers from the Slavic village of Neustrelitz and the music group “Svantopolk”. A special highlight will be the dance evening on July 12th with live Slavic music as part of the “The Slavs are coming” event, which will take place from July 11th to 13th.

Cultural review and outlook

Freddie K. has a knack for raising awareness of Slavic culture and history. In addition to the information work about the ring wall and the planned other projects, the topic of the ancient Germanic peoples in Passow will also be taken up next year. Passow thus becomes a setting for living history, which has a strong influence on both the regional history and the cultural identity of the region.

The Slavic tribes such as the Polabians and Obodrites, as well as the historical legacy they left behind, are not only part of the past, but also part of an ongoing cultural dialogue today. This recollection and examination of one's own history is not only important for local residents, but may also attract interested parties from outside.

Strengthening cultural life in Passow is not only a local political concern, but also a concern for society as a whole. Freddie K.'s projects are a step in the right direction to give the tradition of the Slavs and Germanic peoples in the region a new space. These events can also help younger generations build a connection to the history of their ancestors and learn to appreciate the values ​​associated with it.

For everyone who is interested in Slavic history in Germany, places like Passow and Groß Raden are not only part of the historical heritage, but also places of lively engagement with this exciting era.

Visit the new offers and be inspired by the variety of stories this region has to offer!

For more information about Slavic history in Germany, visit the pages Northern Courier, Tripadvisor and Wikipedia.