December 2000 - Nr. 12
Fairs and Affairs
Christmas Fair
at the Danube Swabian Club
Any event open to the public attracts a variety of people. They all attend
for their own reasons, motivated by their very personnel reality. Thus we
cannot be surprised to see even the so-called "odd man/woman out",
a stranger, at something that might be a typically German event such as the
Christmas Fair at the Danube Swabian event. It definitely is an in house, in
community event, yet attracts people of non-German cultural backgrounds.
When we speak of German cultural background we of course mean the culture
that is bound not by geographical/political boarders but that elusive yet
strong tie of language and customs that tie people together beyond the
boarders we can see on a world map.
The culture connected to the German
Language has permeated many countries. Not just the eastern Europeans are
familiar with it, even though to them it literally is second nature to hear
German. It was their second language during the entire time of the cold war.
People of German cultural background have also emigrated to all over the
world and always tend to check out "things German" wherever they
go. And then there are those that lived in Germany for a while and became
familiar with the culture. And we must not forget our mixed marriages, which
amazingly there are quite e few!
Not too long ago we had a phone call from a Chinese health Professional who lived, studies and practised his specialties for several years in Germany. He loves German food and Gemuetlichkeit and does not want to miss it. Echo Germanica is his link to this pleasant part of his past. Hopefully he finds his way to some of our seasonal festivities and identifies himself to us. We would love to meet him.
Similarly we have Chinese neighbours, a young couple-
recently immigrated, who asked for some back copies of our paper for Chinese
friends of theirs who had lived for a couple of years in Germany. What I
mean is that once someone has partaken of the peculiar brand of German
hospitality and culture in any way they tend to like it a lot and look for
it wherever they are.
So do not be surprised it you look into some unusually cut
eyes in an unusual colour such as black pearls, as I heard it described
recently in a TV show.
But back to the first Christmas Fair at the Danube Swabian
Club in Scarborough. Of course Marilyn Mushinski MPP, was at hand, as she is
every year, to cut the ribbon. Every level and every corner of the building
was filled with either exhibits or opportunities to sit, eat or drink. It
did not matter what the time was, there was hardly a seat to be had at any
time. Like the shopping the food is always good in the club. The smells,
sights and sounds are familiar and the perfect kick off to our most
favourite season. I found everything my heart desired: Baltic Amber, smoked
goose breast East-Prussian style, traditional candles and toys, classical,
contemporary and seasonal music, fancy jewellery and interesting gift items,
hand painted and crafted wooden items from here and abroad, and of course
the many different sweet Christmas treats, all at very good prices.![Carved Smokers [Räuchermännchen] (Danube Swabian Christmas Fair)](012c_DS-XmasGift-e.jpg)
Next we shall congregate in Kitchener and immediately afterward Toronto has a German Christmas Market for the first time on Nathan Philip Square. Be sure to go there and encourage also your Canadian friends to visit.
next >>>
Queen’s Park Visit
Comments to: sfr@echoworld.com
Sybille reports:
- Christmas Fair
- Queen's Park Visit
- Remembrance
- Urban Renewal
- Royal Winter Fair
- Concert Season
- Book Find
