Christkindlmarkts, literally ‘Christ child market’ in German, are a special holiday tradition in many parts of the world. Originating in Dresden, Germany around 1434, Christkindlmarkts, or Christmas Markets, are where local craftsmen sold their wares in the winter, giving townsfolk something to look forward to besides cold weather. When the tradition began, the markets only lasted a day or two, and unlike today, craftsmen laid their products out on the streets for citizens to peruse, deciding which of the handcrafted items they wanted to purchase, as well as affording the opportunity for villagers to mingle and share laughter, as well as food or drink, while they shopped. The markets were a bright spot in what could be an otherwise dreary winter.
Unlike today, when these markets first opened, they were not held right before the 25th of December, they marked other days instead. The markets were normally located around the church, a day or so before either December 6th, the saint days of St. Nicholas, or November 11th, of St. Martin. The popularity of the street markets had a tendency to disrupt church services, much to the consternation of local priests. A religious reformer, Martin Luther, suggested changing the date of the markets, feeling children should receive their gifts from the “Christ child”, otherwise known as Christkindl. Christkindl, much like the better known Santa Claus, was known for handing out presents to good little boys and girls. Unlike the popular Santa, Christkindl is a more fairy like person, and rather than red and white, he wears gold and white. Replacing the red hat, his golden hair is adorned with a golden crown. Changing the dates, the markets was held on December 23rd and 24th.
Modern Christmas Markets are held for much longer spans, normally starting at the end of November, and right before the weekend of Advent, and continue through till Christmas Eve. There are even some towns that hold these outdoor markets through to January 6th. The wares are now displayed in stalls or booths, and some have more than just hand made items to sell. What makes these markets such a joy even now is that the traditions are not broken, as they feature many handmade items such as nutcrackers, tin tree ornaments, glass balls and ornaments, wooden figures, wooden smokers, and even toys and cookie tins. Each market has a distinct flavor, owing to the specialties of the towns and craftsmen there.
Food and drink are a must at the Christkindlmarkts, the smell of spices scenting the air to delight the senses. Traditional items are sold, sausages, pastries, cookies, and of course guhwein, a spiced mulled wine served hot, can be found throughout the markets. The popularity of this German holiday tradition has moved far beyond the areas of Germany and Austria, Christmas markets are found in other parts of the world as well, especially through out most of the European countries. France picked up on the tradition in 1570, the Christkindlmarkts in Strasbourg being one of the most famous in the area. England has many, the one in Birmingham being one of the largest. German immigrants moving to the United States carried the tradition, Chicago boasting a famous Christmas market as well.
Unlike the more commercialized Christmas celebrations today, the idea behind the Christkindlmarkt has stayed true, they are still held outdoors, sell hand crafted items, and are a joyous place to visit friends and family, giving a sense of peace and togetherness to cities and towns throughout the world.
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Dec 23rd, 2007
by Tahira Khan
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