Raucous Hen-Dancing Spectacle Inside Paderborn Cathedral, Participants Partially Undressed
In Paderborn Cathedral, a dance performance during the celebrations marking the 1250th anniversary of Westphalia caused quite a stir. Semi-nude dancers used raw, plucked chicken carcasses, diapered for moderurity, in their routine. The intended artistic program point sparked a wave of outrage among German Catholics, who accused it of mocking the Eucharist.
The performance's soundtrack, a song titled "Fleisch ist Fleisch" ("Flesh is Flesh"), further fueled controversies. Interpreters equated human flesh with meat, a symbolic mockery of the Eucharist. The Archdiocese of Paderborn issued an apology, acknowledging the possibility that religious sentiments may have been offended.
Approximately 20,000 people signed a petition demanding a public apology for the perceived desecration of the cathedral. The controversy has ignited a debate around religious symbols and spaces in Germany. However, there is no evidence suggesting formal legal action under Paragraph 166 of the German Criminal Code, which prohibits insulting religious communities or their symbols.
It's important to note that the chicken carcasses used in the performance were slaughtered according to animal protection legislation. Westphalia, renowned for its meat industry, slaughters millions of animals daily. The question raised is whether such performances are appropriate in houses of worship. Critics argue that the performance's impact was due to its context, and the offensive nature of the display. Blasphemy, carrying a maximum punishment of three years imprisonment, requires a disturbance of public peace, involving at least two parties.
In a related event, Florentina Holzinger's performances at the Volksbühne and Schwerin Opera have drawn less controversy, although they deal with similar themes. The ongoing debate underscores the sensitivity surrounding religious symbols and spaces in Germany.
- The social media platforms were abuzz with discussions about the education-and-self-development aspect of the controversy, with many people expressing their opinions on the appropriateness of such performances in general-news forums.
- The debate also extended to the realm of politics, as some individuals advocated for stricter laws concerning crime-and-justice in religion-related matters to prevent future incidents of perceived desecration.
- Meanwhile, entertainment portals reported a surge in interest for content related to the history and significance of the Eucharist, showing that the controversy has sparked a renewed interest in religious education and self-development among German Catholics.
