New Year's Eve - Traditions - Ban on firecrackers

New Year's Eve in "modern" times

The turn of the year 2024/2025 was turbulent again. In addition to countless peaceful celebrations, there were riots in some places and intolerable attacks on emergency services.

This year, New Year's Eve fireworks again resulted in many injuries and even five deaths. However, the many injured and dead animals are not recorded in any statistics.

traditions

  • bullfighting
  • St. Martin's goose
  • Grindadrap (whaling in the Faroe Islands)
  • Easter lamb
  • cockfight
  • child marriages
  • female circumcision
  • bullfight (Pamplona)
  • New Year's Eve fireworks

are just a few examples of senseless and cruel traditions.

  • sponsorships
  • family celebrations
  • demonstrations
  • local history and culture association
  • Donate
  • volunteer work
  • birthday and anniversary celebrations

are examples of meaningful traditions that promote community and harmony.

An argument often used against bans is tradition or belief. Tradition has always been there and can/must therefore always be passed on without question.

Why is it so difficult to say goodbye to traditions?

Despite the realization that many traditions are outdated or even inhumane, people often find it difficult to say goodbye to traditions for several reasons:

  1. Identity and belonging : Traditions are deeply interwoven with cultural and personal identity. They provide a sense of belonging and continuity that gives people stability and comfort.

  2. Emotional attachment : Traditions are often associated with positive memories, family rituals, and significant life events. These emotional connections make them difficult to let go.

  3. Sense of security : Traditions provide a familiar structure and routine that can provide support in uncertain times. They are an anchor in a constantly changing world.

  4. Social pressure : In many communities, there is strong social pressure to maintain traditions. Deviating from these can lead to social isolation or disapproval.

  5. Fear of change : Change brings uncertainty, and many people feel afraid to accept the unknown. Traditions provide a framework that is stable and predictable.

  6. Appreciating the Past : Traditions are a connection to the past and a way to honor and preserve the achievements and wisdom of previous generations.

These factors together make it seemingly so difficult to break away from traditions, even when they may no longer be relevant or useful.

Reasons for a ban on New Year's Eve fireworks

Environmental protection, the climate crisis, Fridays for Future, common sense, etc. are ignored for a few minutes by insisting on our own freedom of choice, the night is turned into a noisy hell and thousands of tons of unnecessary waste are produced. In times with buzzwords like energy transition and species protection, this is an incomprehensible process.

Since animals cannot understand what is happening on this day, their suffering is immense. All wild animals and most domestic animals are scared to death by the noise and the flashes of light.

Not least out of respect for the many people in war zones, firecrackers and cannon shots are prohibited. Noises that people here find fun trigger fear for their own survival.

Emergency services, paramedics, doctors and nurses have to work extra shifts because conflicts and injuries are inevitable. Here too, the politicians responsible lack the respect to give these people back their free time by simply banning fireworks.

Even a petition for a ban on firecrackers with over 2 million signatures does not motivate politicians to finally take action.

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