Around the millenium wolves came back to Germany, crossing the river Oder in Saxony and finding their way to the Lüneburger Heathlands. Close to Neuenkirchen is living since 2012 a pack of wolves. Some people welcome them enthusiastically, others worry about the safety of sheep and cattle and lonely walks in the forests. Children learn at school how to behave when you meet a wolf: make yourself big, rise your arms with the jacket, be very loud. Wolves are a hotly discussed subject and mirror reactions to the unknown. Cultural fears and romanticization of nature and wolves enter the village.
Myvillages created this candle for the International Village Shop and in particular for the permanent store in Neuenkirchen. It is a wolf with two faces in the shape of a candle; a Janus head in the tradition of the Roman god that stands for ambivalence. This candle can illuminate the discussion and shine a light on the candle factory in the neighboring village of Walsrode.
We launch Janus, die Wolfskerze with a talk by Kathleen Schwerdtner Máñez and a feast of lamb stew.
