As we stand on the threshold of Advent 2020, our surprise day out takes us not to the Christmas markets on the Continent again, but to our own shores. Have you ever spent an Advent day or two exploring what we in UK are up to at this time of the year, in our festive markets?
Our first stop today is to the Christmas market in York:
This year, despite not being able to visit their market in person, York are running a virtual market to showcase their stalls. The below link will take you to this year's stalls and you can shop with them online if you are interested to do so:
Advent or Christmas markets were first recorded in 1298, when citizens were granted permission to hold a Krippenmarkt during Advent. Open-air winter street markets were associated more specifically with Christmas in Germany, with the first Christkindlmarkt taking place a century later, in 1384. They were initially known as Christkindlmarkt meaning the Christ child market or more precisely a spirit of Christmas market.
They were popular as a type of street market selling produce for Christmas and although originated in Germany spread to many other countries but were not the December markets of old, which were the forerunner of the Christkindlmarkt and existed to sell meats ready for the coming of Christmas and the leaving of the penitential season of Advent. In time, these markets (now Christkindlmarkt) were selling not only foods but seasonal treats as well and were an opportunity ahead of Christmas for music and dancing in the streets.
Next we're heading a little further north to Edinburgh's market:
So looking around our British markets what do we see which reflects the season? What do we find which shows historically how the Christmas markets mark Advent and indeed Christmas? What appeals about them or do they put you off? They, like their Continental cousins, are a feast for the senses.
Heading back south now before we head home, we're stopping at a personal favourite of mine:
Every year for a number of years Becky and I make an annual pilgrimage to the Bath Christmas market. It is a "girly" day and we always travel by train so we can enjoy it fully. We go at the end of its run and usually in the week when it isn't too crowded, but also closer to Christmas and as Becky is a Christmas (December birthday) it is part of her birthday celebrations, often on the day too! She sometimes has gone for a second visit with her friends and staying into the evening.
We like the Bath market as it isn't huge, is very colourful - both day and nighttime - and most of all it has around every corner, choirs, solists, bands or music groups sharing seasonal music. It feels very atmospheric and true in many ways to the original Christkindlmarkts. The pretty wooden "houses" selling seasonal treats, food and drink and some dancing at times as well. The atmosphere is friendly and it feels safe and inviting. The abbey looks wonderful and Jacob's ladder is seen in all its glory! However, I haven't seen anything there that speaks expressly of Christmas - stars a plenty, but no Holy Family, cribs etc. Does that matter? We are in an Advent market and Advent isn't about the Christmas story and festivities? What do you think? Do share with me your thoughts and ideas.
These are just my thoughts. We have to remember these Markets, even at Cathedrals are a commercial venture really. I think as long as they maintain the heart of Christianity it does not really matter if they have the Cribs etc that we love. Mary