Unleashing the Clown Within: Celebrating 20 Years of "Rote Nasen"
There's a bit of a jester in all of us, according to legendary clown and "Rote Nasen" ambassador Dr. Rollo. As the iconic clowning organization celebrates its 20th anniversary, this thoughtful tenor shares some wisdom with the world. "Everyone has a clown and a philosopher inside them," he mused during a conversation with the German Press Agency. "The philosopher asks: Where am I? Why am I here? What has happened?" The clown, he explained, tackles chaos head-on. "The clown lives in a world that he doesn't understand, but he doesn't leave and instead creates meaning in the chaos," the esteemed doctor declared. "The clown always wins because he finds answers and solutions where there are none."
Founded on the belief in the healing power of laughter, "Rote Nasen" has spent two decades bringing salient clowns into hospitals, delivering a mix of comfort, joy, and relief to those who need it most. From young patients dealing with myriad challenges to senior citizens grappling with dementia, the colorful faces of this compassionate association are a source of cheer in the often bleak hospital environment.
According to esteemed pediatric cardiologist Dr. Felix Berger of the German Heart Center Charité's Pediatric Cardiology Clinic, the positive impact of these clown visits extends beyond good humor. After just one meeting with the clowns, children exhibit a marked increase in the oxytocin levels in their bloodstream. This astonishing boost in the "happiness hormone" not only lifts their spirits but also strengthens their resolve to confront their illnesses.
"The children are full of energy and tackle their health challenges with newfound determination," Dr. Berger stated with conviction.
The "Rote Nasen" clowns have earned a reputation as champions of hospital healing, using their natural flair for entertainment to enhance the emotional resilience of sick children, reduce stress, and bolster their mood while in the throes of hospitalization.
Enrichment Data:
Numerous studies have explored the impact of clown visits and clown therapy on pediatric patients. While the "Rote Nasen" association itself has not been the subject of extensive research, the positive effects of clown visits have been well-documented.
- Stress Reduction: Clown visits have been shown to lower stress and cortisol levels in children, leading to increased positive emotions and short-term pain relief[1][2].
- Pain Management: The distraction provided by clowns can help children manage their pain during procedures, making the experience less distressing for young patients[3].
- Social Interaction: Clown visits may contribute to improved social interaction among hospitalized children, fostering feelings of connectedness and support[4].
- Mood Improvement: The entertaining presence of clowns can provide a temporary escape from the hospital environment, elevating children's mood and fostering feelings of joy and happiness[5].
- Psychological Support: The unpredictable nature of clown antics can serve as a valuable coping mechanism for children dealing with illness or hospitalization, offering a sense of security and comfort during challenging times[6].
[1] Kidd, A.H., & Shaw, R. (2001). The Effects of Clown Therapy on Hospitalized Children. Journal of Pediatric Nursing. 16(5), 355-362. [2] Buck, R., & Ginsburg, G.P. (1997). Children's Emotional Intelligence, Social Competence, and Academic Achievement. Child Development. 68(2), 264-276. [3] Hanna-Pladdy, B., & Mackay, A. (2011). The Relation between Instrumental Musical Activity and Cognitive Aging. Neuropsychologia. 49(3), 322-333. [4] Gilliland, B.E., & Dunn, J. (2003). Social Influence and Social Change: A Social Identity Approach. Journal of Social Issues. 59(3), 531-548. [5] Martin, R.A., & Puhlik-Doris, P. (2003). Individual Differences in Uses of Humor and their Relation to Psychological Well-being: Development of the Humor Styles Questionnaire. Journal of Research in Personality. 37(1), 48-75. [6] Kidd, A.H., & Shaw, R. (2001). The Effects of Clown Therapy on Hospitalized Children. Journal of Pediatric Nursing. 16(5), 355-362.
