SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Naturists' struggle: Want more people to be naked

A concern is spreading among German naturists: The interest in shedding clothes is decreasing. We will fight to keep every single naked person who wants to be with us, says naturist Alfred Sigloch to The Guardian.

» Updated: 28 September 2024, 19:07

» Published: 13 July 2024

Naturists' struggle: Want more people to be naked
Photo: Annika af Klercker/SvD/TT

A concern is spreading among German naturists: The interest in shedding clothes is decreasing.

We will fight to keep every single naked person who wants to be with us, says naturist Alfred Sigloch to The Guardian.

The German naturists are becoming fewer and fewer. The umbrella organization for naturist groups, Deutscher Verband für Freikörperkultur (DFK), has lost over half of its members in the last 25 years. Many of those who are left have a dwindling interest in the movement, reports The Guardian.

Due to the lack of interest, the association, which advocates for nudity, is canceling its annual celebration of the movement's founding.

Generation conflict?

According to DFK's chairman Alfred Sigloch, the dwindling interest has several reasons. Partly a generation conflict where younger members have difficulty accepting older members' rules about, among other things, "time-limited nude sessions" or "quiet times".

The digital development can be another reason, according to Sigloch. Sneaky photos spread on social media and Tiktok ideals of the perfect body can lead to fewer people wanting to take off their clothes.

Germany is known as one of the world's most liberal countries when it comes to nudity. In parks and on beaches, there are often reserved areas for those who want to wear only their birthday suit.

Long-standing culture

The nude culture, naturism, began to spread in Germany in the late 19th century as a movement against materialism and industrialization. In the early 20th century, it was highlighted as a healthy alternative to the harmful and restrictive industrial life in cities.

During World War II, the movement was questioned by the Nazis. Decades later, in communist East Germany, it flourished. The population there was limited in terms of freedom of expression and movement, but could choose what they wanted to wear – or not – on beaches and campsites.

Despite the dwindling interest, persistent German naturists continue with nude activities. Among other things, an annual nude running competition in the spirit of naturism will be held for the 15th time in July, and a nude hike along the German North Sea coast in August.

The movement started in Germany and Switzerland around the turn of the last century.

It wasn't until after the First World War that naturism began to spread to other countries.

The International Naturist Federation was formed in 1954, and the Swedish branch, Sveriges Naturistförbund, three years later.

The purpose is to promote self-esteem, respect for others, and for the environment.

Source: National Encyclopedia

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Expert: ICC decision puts Germany in a difficult situation
1 MIN READ

Expert: ICC decision puts Germany in a difficult situation

ICC: Netanyahu and Gallant guilty of war crimes
3 MIN READ

ICC: Netanyahu and Gallant guilty of war crimes

Trump's choice of minister investigated for assault
2 MIN READ

Trump's choice of minister investigated for assault

Kristersson on the attack: Trying to intimidate the West
2 MIN READ

Kristersson on the attack: Trying to intimidate the West

Mette-Marit's Son Will Not Appeal Detention Order
1 MIN READ

Mette-Marit's Son Will Not Appeal Detention Order

Expert: We are not closer to a nuclear war
2 MIN READ

Expert: We are not closer to a nuclear war

Half a Billion to Ukraine's Defense Industry
1 MIN READ

Half a Billion to Ukraine's Defense Industry

Ukraine: Russia fired an intercontinental robot
3 MIN READ

Ukraine: Russia fired an intercontinental robot

Death toll soars after bombing of Palmyra
1 MIN READ

Death toll soars after bombing of Palmyra

Three arrested – would have murdered Israeli minister
2 MIN READ

Three arrested – would have murdered Israeli minister

Five arrested for terrorist offenses in Finland
1 MIN READ

Five arrested for terrorist offenses in Finland

Bloodbath in northern Gaza – many killed in their sleep
2 MIN READ

Bloodbath in northern Gaza – many killed in their sleep

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns Swedes after death in Laos
2 MIN READ

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns Swedes after death in Laos

Musk has Trump's ear – but conflicts of interest await
4 MIN READ

Musk has Trump's ear – but conflicts of interest await

Titanic rescuer's watch sold for a record amount
2 MIN READ

Titanic rescuer's watch sold for a record amount

Tried to stop weapons to Israel – failed
1 MIN READ

Tried to stop weapons to Israel – failed

New volcanic eruption on Iceland – smaller than the last one
2 MIN READ

New volcanic eruption on Iceland – smaller than the last one

Republicans block report on accused Gaetz
1 MIN READ

Republicans block report on accused Gaetz

Belarus releases a fraction of prisoners ahead of election
1 MIN READ

Belarus releases a fraction of prisoners ahead of election

The new law: Fines for promoting a life without children
1 MIN READ

The new law: Fines for promoting a life without children