December 2002 - Nr. 12
The Spirit of the Season
A
bit of old world has always been present here in Canada. Wherever there were
a bunch of Germans or Austrians congregating they formed clubs and with the
clubs the seasonal customs would find their expression. Christmas was of
course the best of all seasons. The women’s auxiliaries had an opportunity
to show off their various handicraft skills and make money for the club. To
have a regular Christmas Market was only a step away from what it has become
now.
The
Danube Swabian Club in Scarborough has followed this trend for
decades successfully and led the way this year with an annual Christmas
Bazaar that was as successful as ever. Most of the exhibitors come back and
show their wares to an expectant public.
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Some items are practical in nature and others are simply related to the season. These are of course my favourite things: decorations for the house and as gifts, seasonal sweets and chocolates, baked goods and tree decorations.
Gift
ideas such as Käthe Kruse dolls for the very little ones made me dream back
to my childhood, when I only had a teddy, but the neighbour’s kid had one of
those lifelike dolls I admired so much then. I have a lot more than one
teddy this day, because I collect them; and when I have too many I give some
away where they will be loved. But giving away a teddy is difficult, because
usually there is a story attached to it. Especially this year I feel closer
to this childhood companion of mine. It is the teddy’s 100 anniversary,
don’t you know!
In
any event, the market was wonderful in its versatility. I fell also in love
with these very large hand-blown and painted ornamental glass balls from
Poland. At another regular exhibitor, George Jewellers, I was riveted to a
display of freshwater pearls and lovely rose quartz items that seemed to go
together so well. You might guess what will end up under my tree for me, I
hope!
Upstairs I found Regina and her Dirndls and accessories. Her unique style never ceases to amaze me. In the past I was not a dirndl kind of a person, but Regina made me experience with her fashion versions that it is a most feminine way of expression. I love my dresses from her and look for opportunities to wear them. Look her up in Kitchener at the upcoming Christkindl Markt there!
Upstairs
in the Danube Swabian Club the Women’s Auxiliary had a stand as usual and I
always find something wonderful there. Also International Furs turned up
this year. It was really nice to see them again at a fair. And if I did not
already have a piece from them for every day of the week, I certainly would
have easily found something there that would warm me in winter. I cannot
imagine living without these incredible fur vests that I can wear inside or
outside over a sweater, or my fabulous leather pieces, or the stencilled
china mink jacket. Well, I am not going to list all my pieces here, but let
me tell you that there is a lot more to this fur store with a Berliner
furrier as the proprietor than meets the eye. Go ahead, check it out. There
is nothing there that is endangered, but instead you will find something
appropriate for our Canadian winters, including cuddly knitted items. I for
one cannot imagine being without my furs and leathers. And guess what, I eat
meat too!
But
back to the market, which was opened with the help of the new Consul General
of Germany Dr, Rupprecht. He appeared to be quite interested in our local
customs.
Opening night of the fair was a smash hit, as was the whole affair, properly celebrated with good foods and drink and some music, courtesy Hermann, to boot.
The next fair took place in the Hansa Club, which for the last few years has joined in this tradition.
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And
while we are still going to Kitchener for the Christkindl Market there, we
have a fabulous opportunity in Toronto. The 3rd annual
Toronto Christmas Market was launched in
the Nutcracker District with appropriate fanfare.
This
area surrounding the St, Lawrence Market, which is about to celebrate a 300th
anniversary next year, is heavily promoted by Tourism Canada and its own
neighbourhood, which is very involved in the activities of "old Toronto".
Dignitaries from the ministries and performance arts turned out together
with business people of the area to give the season a proper send off.
Sascha
Lutz was presented from the Minister for Tourism and Recreation, Frank Klees,
a cheque for 13 thousand dollars, so the event can be properly promoted in
the USA too. It is clear that we heavily rely on tourism to add to our
economic success. For the Christmas Market this can only mean more visitors,
more success, which has been hard in coming. It is clear that these things
take time to develop. Unfortunately they are incredible costly, which some
folks have a hard time understanding. The city does not give away anything.
Being hooked up to electricity, and having the permission to do so, getting
permission to do this and that and the other, all which costs a lot of money
before you even get to the event.
Toronto
is an especially expensive location, not to be compared with other venues,
such as Kitchener. So what is being said here is that we need to pull
together to make this a success. It is a German custom, which was much
talked about at the opening press conferences.
Minister
Frank Klees told the audience that he came as a 5 year old from Germany to
Canada. Who would have known that we have another politician in our midst
with German roots?
Later
on when he wandered around the booths I had the opportunity of presenting
him with a pair of "lucky pigs" a custom he was not familiar with. Our
research brought to light that the giving of pigs was practised as far back
as the Middle Ages in Europe, when some sort of contest had prizes to be
handed out at the end. The one that was last and actually the least good,
was given a pig, so he would not feel left out. Pigs were also given when a
couple married. Meat was still expensive and a pig was symbolic for a good
fortune. Eventually these various applications and uses of the pig were
modernized. Not many people kept pigs in the city, so they were miniaturized
in Marzipan and given away as good luck charms any time something new
started, especially the New Year.
For
the official Christmas Market opening Karen Kain, of National Ballet fame,
was at hand to throw the switch, which allowed the Christmas tree to be lit.
Mrs. Bath, Vice Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany, had a few
heart-warming things to say about this occasion and good wishes for this
charming tradition were of course part of that.
We shall visit the Market again and tell you more of the neighbourhood it so perfectly fits into.
I hope you too will visit the St. Lawrence Market on Front Street and tell and bring your Canadian friends. This could be the next edition of a great German tradition finding a new home in Toronto.
Until next time
Sybille Forster-Rentmeister
Comments to: sfr@echoworld.com
