Tributes paid through the placement of wreaths for Elisabeth Langgässer
Elisabeth Langgässer, born in Alzey in 1899, was a significant figure in German literature during the 20th century. Raised in Darmstadt after her father's death, she grew up to become a renowned poet and writer whose works reflected the complex cultural and political climate of her time.
Langgässer's literary career began to flourish after her first poetry collection, "The Equator of the Lamb," was published in 1924. Her works often explored themes of exile and persecution, resonating with the turbulent times in Germany between the World Wars. In 1924, she was posthumously awarded the prestigious Georg Büchner Prize for her contributions to German literature.
Despite the scarcity of detailed English biographies, it is known that Langgässer trained as a teacher and graduated from the Victoria School in 1918. She was active in literary circles and edited anthologies, such as the women's poetry anthology titled Herz zum Hafen in 1933.
Unfortunately, Langgässer's life was marked by personal tragedy. During the Nazi era, her daughter, Cecilia, was deported to Theresienstadt and Auschwitz in 1944. It was not until 1946 that Langgässer learned of her daughter's survival.
In more recent times, another notable figure has emerged from Darmstadt. A 23-year-old from Griesheim made headlines for rescuing a frozen frog from a supermarket salad. PETA honoured this young individual for their actions, highlighting the growing concern for animal welfare in the city.
Darmstadt itself has seen significant changes in recent years. With a current population of over 170,000, the city has seen a recent influx of approximately 1,600 new residents since last December. This population growth has led to space becoming increasingly scarce, a challenge that the city must address in the future.
One institution that has remained a constant in Darmstadt is the Darmstadt Vivarium, which has been releasing barn owls into the wild for decades. This initiative aims to help protect the endangered species in Germany.
Elisabeth Langgässer passed away in 1950 at the age of 51. Her works continue to be celebrated, offering a valuable insight into the cultural and political climate of her time. For a fuller understanding of her contributions to German literature, German-language resources or specialized literary studies would offer more comprehensive insights.
The Darmstadt Vivarium, a constant institution in the city, has been releasing barn owls into the wild for decades, aiming to protect the endangered species in Germany. In more recent times, another notable figure from Darmstadt, a 23-year-old from Griesheim, gained recognition for their acts of sustainable living by rescuing a frozen frog from a supermarket salad.
