Chapter 113: Christmas in East Africa
As Christmas celebrations were in full swing in Europe and the United States, the East African colonial government also organized Christmas festivities in the East African colonies as part of their Germanization efforts. All residents, regardless of their backgrounds, were required to participate in these celebrations. While this might sound coercive, many people, even those from diverse backgrounds, enjoyed participating in the festivities, as there were few entertainment options during this time.
For European immigrants, celebrating Christmas in East Africa felt novel, especially since the region lacked a winter season, and the climate resembled European summer. This unique experience gave them the feeling of celebrating Christmas in summer.
Chinese immigrants, who had little previous exposure to Christmas, were educated by the East African government about the customs and taboos associated with the holiday. This was essential to ensure that they could participate without any misunderstandings or conflicts.
Paraguayan immigrants, due to their homeland's climate similarities with East Africa, adapted easily to the local weather conditions. This group experienced minimal challenges during their transition to East Africa, resulting in fewer issues.
While some Serb immigrants had differences related to the Orthodox Church's calendar for Christmas, the East African colonial government exercised control over religious matters and allowed flexibility in interpreting Christmas traditions. This approach was generally acceptable to most European immigrants, as long as it didn't infringe upon their core religious beliefs.
The East African government did not impose religious conversion upon the Chinese immigrants, only requiring their participation in Christmas celebrations. This was a form of religious freedom, respecting the holiday as a legal requirement rather than a religious one.
The festivities in East Africa included parades and performances in the morning, which, despite the absence of snow and winter conditions, created a festive atmosphere. Christmas was not exclusive to Germany but was a widely recognized holiday in the West.
The East African colonial government maintained this mandatory participation in Western festivals, including Christmas, until 1880. By then, many Chinese immigrants and their children had grown accustomed to Western traditions, resulting in cultural integration.
Ernst had systematically introduced German culture to the East African colonies, incorporating healthy lifestyles while eliminating certain outdated aspects of traditional German culture. These cultural changes affected all residents, fostering a blend of German and local cultural elements.
The cultural integration process extended to language, clothing, architecture, and daily habits. East African culture was not a strict replica of traditional German culture, as it adapted to the local environment and needs.
Ernst's goal was to create an improved version of German culture in East Africa, reflecting both modern values and practical adaptations to the African context. While some advanced cultural elements, like poetry, books, and music, were not accessible to the majority of illiterate residents, the focus remained on integrating cultural aspects relevant to everyday life.
Despite the differences in their backgrounds, European immigrants, Chinese immigrants, and other residents of East Africa were gradually influenced by each other's cultures. National integration was an ongoing process, facilitated by shared experiences and the recognition of mutual benefits.
The priority given to German culture in East Africa was clear, with Germans considering it the best. However, the East African colonial government ensured that the assimilation process was designed to make all residents willing participants in the transformation, creating a harmonious and inclusive cultural environment.