Send message to Author

Paper short abstract

Focusing on narratives in both online and print media, this study examines what constitutes happiness through narratives related to urban gardens and discusses the characteristics of depictions concerning the healing power of plants and nature and the associated sense of well-being. 　　

Paper long abstract

In Germany, cultural practices that experienced a surge in popularity during the pandemic, such as urban gardening, continue to be subjects of interest. Germany is leveraging its cultural heritage as a strategic tool to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable cities and communities. The present study explores how people in Germany connect through cultural heritage and how they achieve subjective well-being by sharing 'things, experiences, and spaces'. The concept of 'happiness' and 'contentment' as expressed through cultural heritage is referred to as 'happiness narratives'. This study aims to collect and analyse data from both urban and rural areas. I believe that horticultural practices, such as allotment gardening and urban gardening, should be considered part of the cultural heritage. This perspective is the primary focus of this study.

My lecture will focus on narratives in both online and printed texts, with particular emphasis on the discourse of protagonists regarding urban gardening and allotment gardens, as well as how they portray happiness within these environments. This study also compares these with traditional fairy tales such as those in the Brothers Grimm's Children's and Household Tales. This study aims to identify and examine descriptions of the healing power of plants and nature, as well as the associated sense of well-being, to clarify their characteristics.