Church service in Fahrenwalde: 150 years of Max Lindow celebrated!

Church service in Fahrenwalde: 150 years of Max Lindow celebrated!

People gathered in the tranquil village church of Fahrenwalde today to celebrate a special occasion: the 150th birthday of the respected Low German local poet Max Lindow. The service in Low German, hosted by the congregation, paid tribute to the influential writer, who was baptized in this small village exactly 150 years ago. [NDR] reports that the celebrations put the spotlight not only on Lindow's words, but also on the Low German language itself.

Max Lindow, born on May 27, 1875, was not only a talented poet but also a passionate teacher. He actively campaigned for the appreciation and revitalization of the home and mother tongue. After his training, he attended the preparatory institute in Joachimsthal from 1891 to 1892 and later the teachers' seminar in Prenzlau. Here he began his life as a teacher, including at the primary school in Büssow, where he married his wife Frieda Kriedemann. The main priority for Lindow was to promote the Low German language through his poems and stories, which were also written in High German. Many of his works are kept in the Fritz Reuter Literature Museum and the Dominican Monastery in Prenzlau [Wikipedia].

Inauguration of an additional sign

Another highlight of the celebrations was the inauguration of an additional sign with the inscription “Farenwoll” at the entrance to Fahrenwalde, which symbolizes the connection to Low German culture. This initiative is part of efforts to preserve and make visible the region's cultural heritage. The upcoming events also promise to keep the memories of Max Lindow alive. The exhibition “Bi us to Hus – The World of Max Lindow” in the Strasburg Local History Museum is already being planned and will open at the beginning of August [NDR].

Lindow was not only a writer, but also a founder of the Low German association Unnern Wiedenboom in Prenzlau, which organized numerous reading and entertainment sessions, thereby revitalizing the Low German language in the region. He is also the author of the unofficial Uckermarker song, which is still heard at regional celebrations and events today. During his life he also published several stage plays in Low German, which were well received and were successfully performed in the Uckermark [Wikipedia].

The relevance of Max Lindow today

Today, a diverse house is a reminder of Lindow, which is woven into the history of this region. The Max Lindow School, which has borne his name since 2000, and Max Lindow Street in Prenzlau are just some of the honorary measures that honor his life's work. In addition, the Max Lindow Prize has been awarded since 2019 to promote new talent and keep Low German creativity alive [Wikipedia].

For anyone interested in Low German literature and culture, the website plattdeutschebuecher.de offers a lot more information and insights. Max Lindow's commitment has had a lasting impact on the Uckermark cultural scene and his works continue to be a source of inspiration for many.