12,000 children celebrate the Spring Festival or the Freethinkers’ Youth Festival

The Spring Festival is celebrated by children aged 6 or 7 and symbolises the step towards primary education, whilst the freethinkers’ youth festival looks ahead to secondary education. Both celebrations are often seen as the liberal humanist alternative to First Communion celebrations in Christianity.

This year, once again, more children are taking part than last – nearly 12,000. Only in 2022 was the number of participants higher, although that was due to postponed celebrations following the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is liberal humanism?

Liberal humanism is a philosophy of life centred on the individual, without reference to a god or religion. It focuses on values such as freedom, equality, solidarity and critical thinking.

According to liberal humanists, people give meaning and purpose to their own lives, with a focus on themselves, others and society. They also emphasise responsibility and dialogue with others.

More and more interest

Rising figures demonstrate just how important rituals are within liberal humanism, explains Raymonda Verdyck, chair of deMens.nu, the liberal humanist movement in Belgium.

“We are delighted that so many people are taking part. This makes it clear that liberal humanists value celebrations that mark certain moments in a child’s life.”

Every family celebrates these rites of passage in its own way, although there are some established rituals. “A ritual such as the passing of a torch highlights what it’s all about: passing on values, trust and a sense of connection,” says Verdyck.

“The idea of light carrying knowledge symbolises humanity’s ongoing quest. You grow and develop, but you don’t do it alone.”