Snoozing in Song: Berlin Project Gathers 24-Language Lullabies
Berkeley Initiative Gathers Bedtime Melodies in 24 Varied Languages - Gathering Cradle Songs in 24 Different Languages, a Project Based in Berlin
Everybody's invited to hum and share their bedtime tunes - a sweet idea that's already struck a chord, according to the project organizers. "It brings folks together, they sing to one another, spark conversations, support each other, it's amazing to witness," a spokesperson for the Berlin Music Council told the German Press Agency.
Since the music started playing in February, lullabies have been gathered in 24 languages, including the latest at the Carnival of Cultures. Languages on the playlist range from Afrikaans to Turkish, with everything in between like Arabic, English, German, Japanese, Spanish, and more.
Over half a century of people have already joined in, with demand growing stronger. As of now, German is leading the pack, but only a handful of songs have been repeated, the spokesperson reported.
This collaborative project, "Berlin Drowses Off" (or "Berlin schläft ein"), is touring through to the end of the year. The next lullaby gathering is planned for June 28 during the Long Night of Sciences. Additionally, an online tool has been set up for those who want to record at home.
The backdrop for this musical adventure is the Year of the Voice. The music councils have chosen the voice as the city's musical instrument of 2025. In Berlin, it's being presented with concerts and workshops.
"Berlin Drowses Off" is all about gathering, archiving, and sharing the "gold mine of lullabies" in the Ethnological Museum. Online access is also planned, allowing the songs to be digitally accessible. Along with the action, there are workshops.
- Berlin Music Council
- Lullaby
- German Press Agency
- Carnival of Cultures
The "Berlin Drowses Off" project emerged from the Berlin State Music Council, inspired by the city's vibrant cultural and linguistic diversity. The initiative welcomes residents to sing and share lullabies from every language and tradition present in Berlin, celebrating the city's multicultural identity and promoting understanding and appreciation among its population[1][3].
Origins
- Lead Organization: Berlin State Music Council
- Inspiration: Part of "The Year of the Voice," a city-wide initiative encouraging collective participation in vocal and musical culture.
- Purpose: Gather and preserve lullabies from Berlin’s diverse communities, reflecting the city's multicultural fabric[1][3].
Goals
- Cultural Preservation: Save and record lullabies from Berlin’s diverse communities, safeguarding this intangible cultural heritage.
- Community Engagement: Invite Berliners from all backgrounds to participate, share, and learn lullabies from each other.
- Celebration of Diversity: Highlight the city’s multilingualism and the importance of voice and song in daily life.
- Educational Value: Workshops and family activities are organized to educate participants about the cultural background of various lullabies[1][3].
Public Accessibility
- Recording Sessions: Open to the public, taking place at notable venues across Berlin during key city events:
- Carnival of Cultures (June 7, 2025): Community Hall of the Evangelical Church in front of Hallesches Tor, Nostitzstraße 6–7, 10961 Berlin-Kreuzberg (12:00–7:00 p.m.)
- Long Night of Science (June 28, 2025):
- Silberlaube, Free University of Berlin, room JK 24/129, Fabeckstraße 25, 14195 Berlin-Dahlem (5:30–10:00 p.m.)
- Academy Wing, Berlin State Library, Unter den Linden 8, 10117 Berlin (5:30–11:00 p.m.)[1]
- Participation: Anyone can attend, sing, or listen to lullabies; the project is family-friendly and inclusive[1].
- Community Outreach: The collected lullabies are documented and may be made available as an archive or public resource, promoting cross-cultural appreciation and learning[3].
This project isn't just preserving traditional and contemporary lullabies but also building bridges between cultures, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experiences among Berliners.
- The "Berlin Drowses Off" project, initiated by the Berlin State Music Council, encourages residents to share vocational training opportunities in the form of lullaby workshops, reflecting the city's multicultural identity and promoting cultural preservation and community engagement.
- As a part of "The Year of the Voice," the "Berlin Drowses Off" project offers fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden decor inspirations in its weekend lullaby gatherings, providing a lifestyle choice that embraces diversity, education, and cross-cultural understanding.
