Many larger villages have their own Christmas market, so it can get monotonous and repetitive seeing the same stalls and the same kitchy items for sale but this market in the woods had its own nitch. The set up of the market was beautifully done. Every decoration and stall was thought through and no detail went missing. Paths weaved between the forest lit only by candles and the occasional decorative lamp. If snow covered the ground it would have been a romantically magical setting.
This is a few weeks late but earlier in December I enjoyed a Christmas market in the woods. It was cold and refreshing. The air smelled of pine, glühwein, sausages, chestnuts and cinnamon. Of all the places I’ve celebrated Christmas, Germany has been by far the best and most authentic. Even without snow the festiveness of each weihnachtsmarkt enhances the feel of Christmas.
Many larger villages have their own Christmas market, so it can get monotonous and repetitive seeing the same stalls and the same kitchy items for sale but this market in the woods had its own nitch. The set up of the market was beautifully done. Every decoration and stall was thought through and no detail went missing. Paths weaved between the forest lit only by candles and the occasional decorative lamp. If snow covered the ground it would have been a romantically magical setting.
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Thanks to Christoph Waltz, many Americans were introduced to Krampus! The ever intimidating helper of Saint Nicholas, who’s mere presence scares children into obedience let alone the horror stories of stuffing bad kids into bags and beating them good. Krampus are an interesting aspect of German speaking Alpine folklore. Another aspect that many confuse as Krampus are Perchten. Perchten, similar to Krampus, are the stuff of nightmares. Huge grotesque masks and large animalistic bodies are cringe worthy, but Perchten intentions are not to scare children rather they bring good luck for the new year and attempt to scare away the ghosts and evil of the previous year. I was fortunate enough to attend the 60th anniversary of the Perchten run in Kirchseeon, a small town about 30km outside of Munich. The weather was unfortunate, cold and very wet. The rain made the Perchten glean with ferocity and the steam from heated bodies added an additional intimidation factor, but sadly the wet and cold also froze my toes and soaked Dominic. The weather was unfavorable but the show was very interesting and worth the cold. |
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