Objekt des Monats
Jedes Objekt in der Sammlung des Deutschen Auswandererhauses erzählt eine ganz persönliche Auswanderungs- oder Einwanderungsgeschichte. In dieser Rubrik stellen wir Ihnen jeden Monat ein anderes Objekt vor – eine Fotografie, ein Dokument oder ein persönliches Erinnerungsstück.
May 2019
Suitcase from 1922
Historical Context
On May 5th, the Kodomo no Hi is traditionally celebrated in Japan. Kodomo no Hi is Japanese (written as こどもの日) and translates to ‘Children’s Day.’ On this Japanese Children’s Day, respect for the individuality of children is celebrated. After World War II, in 1948, the Japanese government designated May 5th as a national holiday to celebrate the joy of all children and express gratitude towards parents. On this holiday, families raise koi-nobori flags, which resemble the shape of koi carp. When the colorful flags flutter in the wind, they remind us of fish swimming in water. Each carp symbolizes a family member. Traditionally, on this holiday, mochi rice cakes are served, which are eaten wrapped in oak leaves. Additionally, kashiwa-mochi is consumed on this day: a sweet treat made, among other things, from red beans. Furthermore, a sweet rice paste called chimaki is served. This rice paste is rolled in bamboo leaves and enjoyed with family.
Short biography of Johanna Dietrich
Japan did not play a significant role for European emigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, the German emigrant Johanna Dietrich ended up there. Johanna met and fell in love with Max Dietrich, who was born in Japan, in Berlin during the early 1920s. The two emigrated to Yokohama together in 1922. Johanna and her husband have two children, both born in Japan. After World War II, Johanna received a residence permit for herself and her family in Japan. Many other German nationals were less fortunate and were expelled from Japan after the war ended. However, Johanna’s husband managed to secure a job as a coordinator between the Japanese authorities and the American occupation, thus providing for their small family.
Significance of the object
Johanna Dietrich took the brown leather suitcase with her when she emigrated to Japan. The travel item was adorned with various travel stickers. The sticker ‘Yokohama’ can also be seen. The Japanese city is an important trading city on the Asian continent. It is part of the metropolitan area of the capital Tokyo and serves as a political, economic, and cultural center of Japan. Johanna lived in Yokohama for many years with her two children and her husband.
Do you also have …
… a family emigration or immigration story to tell and would like to share it along with the associated objects and documents with the German Emigration Center for their collection? Then please contact Dr. Tanja Fittkau at the phone number 0471 / 90 22 0 – 0 or via email at: t.fittkau@dah-bremerhaven.de
Archive: Previous Objects of the Month
Show all objectsDo You Also Have …
… a story of emigration or immigration in your family that you would like to share with the German Emigration Center together with the related objects and documents for its collection? Then please contact Dr. Tanja Fittkau by phone at +49 471 / 90 22 0 – 0
or by e-mail at: t.fittkau@dah-bremerhaven.de