Carnival as a time of celebration: Rituals in kindergarten

Abstract

When noticing the carnivalization of contemporary Polish customs, one can often see the accompanying ambivalent tendencies in the context of socialization and education and the alarming phenomenon of kindergarchy. When introducing a child into a moral culture, modern parents try not to impose behavior patterns on their children; rather, parents use methods that are focused on the child's individuality wherein the wishes of the child are satisfied. However, this approach does not teach that the needs of others are also important. On the other hand, in preschool education, there is no shortage of opportunities to set a clear framework in ritualized behaviors. The carnival period is a time that is particularly saturated with rituals that can serve to integrate preschool and family communities.
Carnival as a tradition – inscribed in the “Calendar of events and celebrations” – has become a favorite ritual among kindergartens. For most preschoolers, this is their first real exposure to a carnival ball. The symbolic representation of carnival requires rejecting individualism. Indeed, carnival remains the quintessence of collectivity and community and is broadly understood as a ritual that renews fitting into educational functions. In the social formula of the carnival, cultural memory is expressed. This cultural memory represents a considerable socialization and educational challenge for the cooperation between the institution of kindergarten with the family. This paper describes the application of participant observation in the form of an interview with children, as well as, an analysis and synthesis. The aim of the paper is to draw attention
to the modern phenomenon of carnival, which in the common understanding, is a well-known form of fun. Carnival also serves culture, builds relationships, and creates identification with a given community and place.