Setting up


The German market is taking shape on the plainstones beside the National Gallery.  As I passed through tonight the place was a bustle of activity ahead of Thursday's switching on of Edinburgh's Christmas lights and the market opening.  Much unpacking of boxes, tapping of hammers, fixing up lightbulbs, and animated chat in German.
 

It all reminded me of the chapter in The Wind in the Willows where the Rat encounters animals and birds making ready to hibernate or migrate - except in reverse.  "Many were digging and tunnelling busily; others, gathered together in small groups, examined plans and drawings of small flats...Some were hauling out dusty trunks and dress-baskets, others were already elbow-deep packing their belongings; while everywhere piles and bundles of wheat, oats, barley, beechmast and nuts, lay about ready for transport."

I always wonder - what do German Christmas markets do for the rest of the year?
 

Comments

  1. I would love to attend one of these markets.

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    1. I have to admit we take them for granted a bit in Edinburgh, but it's always sad when they're over for another year.

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  2. What a wonderful setting for a german market. Although we have a similar market here in Bournemouth, it has only been operated by germans a few times, at others, such as this year, there appears to be a worldwide contingent selling all sorts of rubbish. And a traditional 'german' bar, complete with hundreds of plastic pint glasses stacked nightclub fashion on the bar itself....nice! Bring back the germans, that's what I say (or maybe being called Schulz I am a trifle biased?) A lovely post Linda, thanks.

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    1. You're right Gary, whoever built that castle on the rock had an eye to a good backdrop for a German market.

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  3. This would be such a wonderful time to visit the markets and I bet there are many lovely items to drool over. Making the visits to each stall sounds like so much fun!

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    1. There are a lot of lovely things, Kristie, as well as comforting German food!

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  4. Tis he season. I've never been to one of these markets!

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    1. I can't believe there isn't one in Toronto - I thought they were exported worldwide.

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  5. Long ago the Christmas markets were held by rural people who spent most of the year cultivating their land. In winter after the harvest they took to handicraft and went into town to sell their products.

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    1. At least something of that seasonal link remains, although I don't think you would find many farmers among the stallholders.

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  6. Wanna be there!!! I so love Edinburgh.

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    1. Even on a night of sleet such as tonight it's still lovely.

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  7. A lovely post. I think half the fun of Christmas is the waiting and the preparation.

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    1. I agree, Christine. Christmas Day itself always feels rather unreal to me.

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  8. Looks like a wonderful place to visit!

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    1. It is indeed, Karine, and loads of people do visit - it can get extremely busy.

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  9. I had no idea there was a German market in Edinburgh.

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    1. We also have a 'Highland Village' which sells some Scottish wares and food, but also sadly things like Peruvian hats.

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  10. German Christmas markets always seemed very special and one day maybe I will get to visit one in person, be it in Edinburgh or Germany or anywhere! Now you've got me wondering too, what DO they do the rest of the year? Perhaps they are busy crafting ornaments and goodies for the next market?

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    1. Perhaps I should go round the stalls with a questionnaire about how much of their stock the stallholders have made themselves...

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  11. Fun! I'd love to wander through that market when it's up and running!!! (love the set up too!)

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    1. It is great free entertainment - always appealing to us Scots.

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  12. Suddenly I am yearning for the city. Edinburgh does Christmas exceptionally well these days: the sight of Princes Street Gardens as dusk falls, all lit up with Christmas lights on the ferris wheel, the skating rink, the German market and then the backdrop of the castle, fills me with a childish thrill of magic. Must try to get there...

    By the way, one of the German stallholders once told me that they all come over from Hamburg. So who does Christmas in Hamburg, I wonder?!

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    1. I just had a look at the Hamburg market, and it seems to be full of Austrians and Bavarians. Which of course begs the question as to who does Christmas in Salzburg and Munich...

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  13. Never heard of a German market in my whole entire life. And that, in around twelve days, will be 46 years!

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    1. We now take it for granted as part of the Christmas experience. In the same way that Chinese and Indian food count as 'traditional British'.

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  14. My oldest son lived in Edinburgh for a few years (Stockbridge?), and we visited the Christmas German Market. Personally I found the whole thing rather odd; the most interesting bit for me was an escape artist, who attracted a huge crowd. Here in France we just have French Markets; that's enough!

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