Impressive 103rd birthday: Erika Ziefle celebrates with the mayor!

Impressive 103rd birthday: Erika Ziefle celebrates with the mayor!

The 103rd birthday of Erika Ziefle from Rathebur was celebrated with great joy on June 20, 2025. The oldest resident of the Ducherow community was surprised yesterday with flowers from Mayor Martin Weitmann and congratulations from neighbors and family. A beautiful gesture that not only marked the special day of honor, but also strengthened the community in this small community. Again Uckermark courier reports, it is also a fitting occasion to reflect on the lives and challenges of the people in the Weimar Republic.

Erika Ziefle, who grew up in poor circumstances - the daughter of a day laborer - has maintained a solid lifestyle over the years. Your tips for a happy old age? Health, no alcohol and loyalty in marriage. She lives alone in her own four walls and receives support from the Johanniter and her daughter Anita Rost. The tradition of celebrating a birthday shows how valuable being together in your family and community is.

Society and nutrition in the Weimar Republic

Ms. Ziefle's birthday coincides with a time that was formative for Germany in many ways: the Weimar Republic, which began in 1922. During these years democracy was born and universal suffrage was introduced. All of these upheavals are part of an eventful history that also had a decisive influence on everyday life. So reported Deutschlandfunk culture that with democratization new products such as gummy bears also found their place. These were brought to market by Hans Riegel of Haribo and represent a piece of chocolate that was accessible to everyone.

The introduction of the gummy bear came at a time when people sought candy that was both affordable and tasty. These little treats became attractive in 1920 when they were sold for one Reichspfennig. While the demand for such products grew, there was also a debate about quality. As Boike Rehbein notes, the connection between democracy and consumer behavior is discussed again and again - it often turns out that the quality of mass products suffers as a result.

The life of the rural population

If we look at everyday life during Erika Ziefle's childhood in the Weimar Republic, the picture turns out to be challenging. Agriculture was characterized by long working hours in the fields. People in rural areas suffered from the housing shortage and the precarious living conditions that followed the post-war period. Living conditions were so difficult that many sought a return to nature, while industry and mass-produced products increasingly influenced life German Historical Museum illustrated.

Social tensions between different classes became visible, and at the same time the advent of the eight-hour working day offered workers new spaces for leisure activities. This opened the door for movement culture and social gatherings. This meant that people were able to take part in community life after work, which not only benefited their health but also their enjoyment of life.

For Erika Ziefle, one thing is certain: life has offered her a lot, and her secret recipe for a long life speaks volumes about what really matters. Next week, for her 104th birthday, she and Mayor Martin Weitmann have arranged a nice ice cream dinner. Another beautiful moment that shows how important togetherness in the community is and how good old ice cream always remains a piece of childhood.