Memories of the Oder: Traumatic Stories and New Perspectives

Memories of the Oder: Traumatic Stories and New Perspectives

On March 9, 2025, an event entitled “TraumaTische GegenWarten, …Or?!” took place in Frankfurt (Oder). held by Katharina Blumberg-Stankiewicz and Dr. Alina Kokoschka was organized. The event was dedicated to the profound topic of transgenerational trauma and its impact on society.

At the beginning, the short film “Disappearance” by Sven Johne was shown. This film highlights an intergenerational family history in post-war East Germany and provides impressive landscape shots of the Jasmund National Park and the chalk cliffs that are endangered due to climate change. During the course of the event, climatic changes in the landscape and their perception in relation to the Oder River were also discussed.

Historical perspectives and current conflicts

A central theme of the discussion was the “continuity of violence” and the disappearance of war consciousness, especially with regard to the older generation and the current war in Ukraine. Oleksandra Bienert asked critical questions about the German reaction to the Ukraine conflict. These reflections encouraged participants to think about the role of the past in the current culture of emotion and memory.

In the second part of the event, the project "O-der Tone. People, Land, River - a podcast with ambiguous conversations from the edge of central Europe" was presented. This project offers insights into personal experiences with the Oder and promotes exchange between the people of the region. Particularly mentioned was the visit to the sculpture “Sorry” by Joanna Rajkowska, which addresses the different perceptions of the Oder in Poland and Germany.

Insight into transgenerational trauma

The topic of transgenerational trauma was further deepened by the story of Lilli Heinemann, a journalist who researched the causes of psychological wounds in her family. These wounds are often passed down from generation to generation. Especially on November 20th, a day of remembrance for deceased relatives, the traumatic experiences of past generations are often remembered. Lilli researched her family history to understand how the fateful events of World War II shaped her family's life.

Psychologists like Sandra Konrad emphasize the importance of exploring such family histories and the need to talk about past traumas. These conversations can help heal psychological wounds and avoid burdening future generations with unresolved fates.

A parallel example of the inheritance of trauma can be found in the publication “Inherited Wounds: Transgenerational Transmission of Traumatic Experiences,” edited by Marianne Rauwald. The monograph describes how psychological injuries can be passed on through family ties and experiences. The biological basis and psychological challenges are also discussed.

Looking into the future

The photo exhibition “Oder-Los” by Oleksandra Bienert, which can be seen in the Gräfin Dönhoff building until the end of April 2025, complements the event and invites visitors to explore the river landscapes photographically. This exhibition and the projects mentioned show the importance of telling both individual and collective stories in order to develop a deeper understanding of the present and build a bridge to the future.

Overall, this event makes it clear that dialogue about the past plays an essential role in coping with trauma and that a shared approach to one's own stories is necessary to strengthen future generations.