Christmas Markets (Weihnactsmarkt)

Weihnactsmarkt (Christmas Market) is a wonderful and ancient tradition in Germany.  There were markets set up in major towns to allow crafts people to sell their wares before Christmas. (Remember it is the Germans that started the Christmas tree tradition). We visited Frankfurt's Christmas Market (apparently the largest in Germany) and spent most of the day browsing an array of small and large craft items.  Decorations galore adorned these small stands making for a colorful and lively market display.  In addition to decorations there is pottery, hand crafted jewelery, woodcraft, and all kinds of food.  There are expected to be 3 million visitors this year.
The Christmas Market has its origin as far back as 1393 when ecclesiastical mystery plays were held in the Romerberg.  The original play was supposedly based on a chance encounter, when King Otto the Great and his brother Heinrich reconciled after a long period of estrangement.  Heinrich is said to have fallen to his knees before his brother outside the chapel after Christmas Mass.

Germans are characterized by their hard work, hearty appetites, love of beer and an exuberant penchant for celebrating .  You put that all together at Christmas time and you will have a festive celebration that is hard to match.  I regret that you are not here to see this and more importantly, to feel the energy and festive air.
Negotiating though the masses of people was a challenge - being a northern BC boy, I am used to my space.  That is something not easily found in downtown Frankfurt at Christmas.

This entry would not be complete without commenting on the food.  There is no shortage here, meats and sausages of all kinds, barbecued, fried, grilled and sauteed.   The little kiosks appeared to be able to cook up anything including waffles, crepes, potato pancakes and Quiche Lorraine.  Arendje was even finding cookies and treats she remembered from her childhood in Holland.  I too saw French and Belge food products including bagettes and Belgium and Swiss chocolates.  I finally settled on a hot buttered corn on the cob - a fine treat in December.  It would take months and a hefty dining-out budget to begin to sample the variety of specialty foods available here.  Drinks also come in almost as rich an assortment as the food.  Germans appear to love their Gluhwein, a hot, sweet red wine marketed especially for the wet and wintry December day.  The inclement weather did not appear to dampen the enthusiasm the Germans have for the deeply ingrained Christmas traditions.  Add a little snow, my family here to enjoy this with me and I would be hard pressed to find anything to add to this Christmas season.