Rainer Pause + Martin Stankowski - Tod im Rheinland

All Saints' Day.
A good opportunity to reflect on salvation and damnation. And on death and dying... until we’re once again inundated by Santa Clauses with candles, tinsel, and jingle bells.

Rhineland historian Martin Stankowski and Fritz Litzmann—the senior president of the Bonn heritage association Rhenania, also known as Rainer Pause—have long been studying the history of funeral customs across different eras and cultures. Now, in their characteristically profound and unconventional way—true to the motto “Those who know nothing must believe everything”—they once again reflect on dying, death, and the afterlife, funeral rites, and the cult of the dead, and what all of this has to do with life. From prehistoric times through the Romans and the Middle Ages to the present day. Coffins and urns lose their terror and become part of everyday life. And the by no means surprising conclusion: Life ends with death—but only in principle, not in the Rhineland.

“For all its cabaret-style flair, this is a thoroughly researched compendium of 2,000 years of death culture in this country!”
(Kölnische Rundschau)

“The audience at the sold-out crematorium was thrilled (how else can one put it)!” (Express)

Elke Heidenreich wrote:

This unique and highly amusing lesson in cultural history is not to be missed under any circumstances.
I hereby submit an application for membership in the local heritage association ‘Rhenania.’ I am prepared to pay my dues on time. In return, I expect enjoyment until death and beyond...!"

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