Snoozin' in the City: Berlin's "Berlin Schläft Ein" Collects Lullabies from Around the Globe
Gathering Cradle Songs in 24 Linguistic Variations - Berlin Initiative - Gathering soothing bedtime songs from across 24 diverse linguistic backgrounds in Berlin
Let's face it, Berlin is a melting pot of cultures, and the "Berlin Schläft Ein" project celebrates this diversity by inviting one and all to share their lullabies. Participants have been flocking to this collaborative effort since its inception, and the response so far has been positively magnificent, according to the project's backers.
"It brings people together, during the sessions they sing to each other, spark conversations, lift each other up – it's a sight to behold," a spokesperson for the Berlin State Music Council shared with the German Press Agency.
Given that the first recording began in February, lullabies have been gathered in a whopping 24 languages, including the latest addition at the Carnival of Cultures. Languages represented range from the familiar, such as English and German, to the exotic, like Afrikaans, Arabic, and Japanese.
As of now, an impressive 55 participants have made their way to the recording sessions. The demand is skyrocketing, and German seems to be the most popular language, with only four instances of identical lullabies.
The "Berlin Schläft Ein" project is scheduled to continue until the end of the year. If your schedule doesn't permit you to attend an in-person session, don't worry – there's an online tool you can use to record yourself in the comfort of your own home. The upcoming session has been scheduled for June 28 during the Long Night of Sciences.
The project is part of the Year of the Voice, which has chosen the voice as the national instrument of 2025. The Berlin State Music Council is showcasing this celebration through concerts, workshops, and of course, the "Berlin Schläft Ein" project.
The ultimate goal of "Berlin Schläft Ein" is to amass, preserve, and make accessible to the public this rich cache of lullabies in the Ethnological Museum, with plans for digital accessibility as well. Linking arms with the project’s efforts are workshops aimed at fostering cross-cultural understanding through the art of lullabies.
So, are you ready to be a part of this global choir and contribute your unique lullaby to Berlin’s mosaic of sounds? There's no need for formal training in music – your voice is your instrument, and everyone is invited to participate.
How to Get Involved
- Attend Public Recording Sessions: Don't miss out on the chance to share your lullaby at upcoming sessions such as:
- Carnival of Cultures on June 7, 2025 (12:00–7:00 p.m.) – Community Hall, Evangelical Church, Nostitzstraße 6–7, 10961 Berlin-Kreuzberg.
- Long Night of Science on June 28, 2025 (5:30–10:00 p.m.) – Silberlaube, Free University of Berlin, room JK 24/129 or Academy Wing, Berlin State Library, Unter den Linden 8, Berlin.
- Join Workshops and Family Activities: Participate in workshops and events designed to foster the sharing of lullabies across cultures.
- Sing and Share: Whether you choose to perform a traditional lullaby or compose a new one, your contribution is valued. Remember, there's no requirement for professional singing experience – all voices are welcome.
- The "Berlin Schläft Ein" project, a part of the Year of the Voice, encourages everyone to participate, regardless of their background in music, promoting an inclusive community policy where voices of all cultures are celebrated.
- Beyond attending the public recording sessions, individuals can engage in workshops and family activities that focus on fostering cross-cultural understanding through the art of lullabies, exploring themes related to lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and entertainment, such as music.
- The recorded lullabies will be preserved and made accessible to the public for digital accessibility in the Ethnological Museum, showcasing the diversity of vocational training in music and layering Berlin's mosaic of sounds, combining them with various languages including fashionable and exotic ones like English, German, Afrikaans, Arabic, and Japanese.
