Deep-rooted historical religions
The state of North Rhine-Westphalia has a religious history marked by Christianity. In fact, Christianity remains the majority religion in the region today, although its practice is declining. Catholicism is predominant in the south and west of the region, with Cologne and Aachen as major religious centers. The Archdiocese of Cologne, one of the largest in Europe, illustrates the enduring influence of the Church on the architectural and cultural heritage of the Rhineland. Historically, and for centuries, Cologne has played a major role in the Catholic tradition, as an important place of pilgrimage (the relics of the Magi are preserved here) and even adopting the nickname of " Rom des Nordens " (Rome of the North). The presence of the majestic cathedral naturally plays an important role in this status, perceived as a real pole of attraction for all Catholics in Northern Europe and beyond. Protestantism, on the other hand, is more firmly established further north. Although church attendance has declined, these two denominations still punctuate the high points of the year (Christmas, Easter, weddings, funerals). At the same time, Islam is now the second most practiced religion in the region. Mainly practiced by Turkish, but also Arab and Balkan immigrant communities, it can be seen in the many mosques of industrial cities such as Duisburg, Dortmund or Cologne, home to one of Europe's largest mosques: the Great Mosque of Cologne. Finally, Judaism, which has been present in Cologne since antiquity, is very much in the minority today. The decline obviously dates back to the 20th century and the eradication of the Jewish community by the Nazis. Recently, however, immigrants from Eastern Europe have been reviving Jewish traditions in a region where there is no shortage of impressive synagogues, such as those in Essen and Cologne, which survived the Nazi terror.
A very contemporary religious diversity
In addition to the three great monotheistic religions, the region reflects the great religious diversity of 21st-century Germany. Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh communities, although not very widespread, are active here, especially in the major conurbations. Buddhism statistically attracts a fringe of the German population in search of spirituality. Independent evangelical churches, often stemming from Pentecostal movements, are growing discreetly, particularly in multicultural neighborhoods and suburban areas. This diversity is facilitated by the generally tolerant climate and the separation of Church and State, although historical denominations still enjoy a special status (e.g., a surprisingly high church tax for French expatriates in Germany, the right to religious education in state schools).
Popular beliefs and pagan festivities
North Rhine-Westphalia retains a lively tradition of folk beliefs, often rooted in local festivals and seasonal rituals. The famous Rhineland Carnival, especially in Cologne and Düsseldorf, combines Christian folklore, pagan references and social satire in a deeply rooted community spirit. Festivals such as the Kirmes (a religious funfair) and the Schützenfeste (shooters' festivals) illustrate this syncretism between faith, custom and local life. Today, almost a third of the Land's inhabitants claim to have no religion. This phenomenon of secularization, particularly marked in the younger generations, does not prevent an attachment to Christian cultural traditions, such as Christmas markets and midnight masses, which are experienced more as social than spiritual landmarks. The same applies to the founding myths of certain cities. That of the 11,000 virgins in Cologne, for example, dates back to the Middle Ages, but goes beyond mere folklore. Legend has it that a Breton princess named Ursula passed through Cologne on her way back from a pilgrimage to Rome. The city was then occupied by the Huns, and the young women refused to renounce their faith. They died as martyrs, St. Ursula last of all, pierced by an arrow after refusing to marry the Hun king. Although not attested by historians, this myth is very present in the colonial imagination, in popular imagery and even on the town's coat of arms.
