Christmas markets are places of warmth, unity, and celebration—a sensory blend of sights, sounds, and smells that brings communities together. However, this year, the joy of the season has been marred by a tragic attack at the Magdeburg Christmas market, where lives were lost and hearts were broken. This senseless act of violence, occurring in a space meant for peace and festivity, is a stark reminder of the fragility of the world in which we live.
In light of this tragedy, we dedicate this post to the victims of the Magdeburg attack and the enduring cultural heritage that Christmas markets represent. One of the most iconic symbols of these markets is Glühwein—mulled wine, which encapsulates Christmas’s spirit and the values of unity and resilience. Through this exploration, we honor those we lost by celebrating the traditions that bring us together and call for peace in their memory.
Figure. Settings of selected German Christmas markets. (A) Weihnachtsmarkt Frankfurt; (B) Weih-nachtsmarkt Mainz; (C) Weihnachtsmarkt Bamberg; (D) Strietzelmarkt Dresden (photos: DHRS 2023).
Christmas Markets: A Living Tradition
German Christmas markets are cultural treasures that are deeply rooted in the medieval past. Originating as trade fairs during the advent season, these markets have been transformed into communal gatherings that attract millions of visitors worldwide. More than 2,000 markets span Germany today, filling town squares with wooden stalls, festive decorations, and a warm glow of string lights.
These markets are not just about commerce but also about the preservation and celebration of intangible cultural heritage. They are places where traditions meet modernity and where the communal experience transcends individual differences. Dirk H. R. Spennemann’s paper, “Intangible Heritage and Its Associative Objects,” delves into the material and cultural significance of German Christmas markets, emphasizing their role as a living embodiment of history and community.
Among the countless cultural elements associated with Christmas markets, Glühwein stands out as particularly iconic. This warm, spiced wine is not merely a drink, but a symbol of conviviality, comfort, and tradition.
The Cultural Significance of Mulled Wine
Glühwein has been a staple in the German Christmas market for centuries. By gently heating wine with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus peel, Glühwein offers both physical warmth and emotional comfort during cold winter months. Its aroma fills the air, mingling with the scent of roasted nuts and gingerbread, thus creating a sensory experience that defines the festive season.
As Spennemann highlights, the consumption of Glühwein in Christmas markets is not just about taste; it is about the experience. Visitors gather around Glühwein stalls, cradling colorful and reusable cups that double souvenirs. These cups are more than practical vessels; they are artifacts of intangible heritage, representing a shared cultural moment that visitors can carry home.
Reusable Cups: Sustainability Meets Tradition
The introduction of reusable Glühwein cups in the 1970s marked a turning point in Christmas markets’sustainability practices. First introduced in Frankfurt in 1975, these cups were designed to reduce waste associated with single-use Styrofoam cups. Over time, they have become collectibles with each market offering unique designs that often feature local landmarks or festive motifs.
These cups, known as Weihnachtsmarkttassen, are testaments to the adaptability of tradition. While their primary function is to serve Glühwein, they also embody the value of sustainability and cultural preservation. Many markets charge a small deposit for cups, encouraging visitors to return them or take them home as keepsakes. Spennemann underscores the dual role of these cups as both functional items and symbols of cultural continuity.
Some of the most popular designs include boot-shaped mugs, stoneware beakers, and terracotta cups. Markets often hold design competitions that invite local artists to contribute to this evolving tradition. These cups are cherished not only for their aesthetic appeal, but also for the memories they evoke—a reminder of shared laughter, festive cheer, and the warmth of the community.
Regional Variations of Mulled Wine
While traditional Glühwein remains the most popular choice, regional variations add a layer of diversity to this beloved beverage.
White Mulled Wine
Common in regions such as Mosel and Rheingau, this variation uses white wine as its base. It is lighter and often contains floral or citrus notes that distinguish it from the classic red version.
Feuerzangenbowle: A dramatic cousin of Glühwein. This drink involves a sugarloaf soaked in rum, which is set ablaze and drips into the spiced wine. The preparation itself becomes spectacle, drawing crowds in the larger markets.
Non-Alcoholic Options: For children and those avoiding alcohol, Kinderpunsch
—a spiced fruit punch—is a popular alternative that ensures that everyone can partake in the festive spirit.
These variations reflect the regional wine culture in Germany, where local vineyards play a crucial role in shaping the flavors of Glühwein. By using locally sourced wines, Christmas markets also support surrounding agricultural communities.
Commemorative Tokens and Mulled Wine
In addition to reusable cups, some markets issue tokens for Glühwein purchases. For example, the Dresden Strietzeltaler serves as a market-wide redemption currency, adding an element of collectibility to the Glühwein experience. These tokens, often made of brass or plastic, are intricately designed to serve as mementos for market visits.
Together, tokens and cups create a layered cultural engagement experience. They turn the act of purchasing a warm drink into a ritual, enhancing visitors’ connection to the market and its traditions.
Figure. Posters issued for Christmas markets. (A) Peißenberg 1984, 594 × 841 mm (DIN A1); (B) Krefeld 1986, 841 × 1189 mm (DIN A0).
The Tragedy in Magdeburg: A Moment of Reflection
The attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market stands in painful contrast to the values these markets represent. What should have been a space of joy and unity became a site of tragedy, leaving families to grieve and communities to heal. The victims of this senseless violence were ordinary people—visitors, vendors, and workers—whose lives were cut short in places meant for celebration.
In the aftermath of such events, it is crucial to reflect on the resilience of communities and the enduring powers of tradition. Christmas markets, despite their fragility, have always been spaces for renewal. They symbolize the capacity of humanity to come together, even in the face of adversity.
To honor the victims, we must not only mourn, but also act. By preserving the traditions of Christmas markets and fostering spaces of inclusion and peace, we can ensure that such tragedies do not define us. Instead, we let the light of these markets shine brighter as beacons of hope and unity.
A Call for Peace
As we sip our Glühwein this season, let us remember the victims of the Magdeburg attack. Let us honor their memory by committing to the values that Christmas markets embody: community, inclusivity, and peace.
In the words of German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: “He only earns his freedom and his life who takes them every day by storm.” Let us take up the storm of peace, fighting not with weapons but with compassion, understanding, and the shared joy of traditions, like Glühwein.
A Season of Hope and Unity
Despite this tragedy, Christmas’s markets endure. The lights, music, and traditions continue to bring people together, reminding us of the strength of unity. Glühwein, with its warmth and spices, serves as a small but powerful symbol of resilience.
This season, let us raise our cups not only in celebration, but also in remembrance. Let each sip of Glühwein be a toast to the victims, a tribute to the enduring power of heritage, and a pledge to work toward a world where peace prevails.
For victims of Magdeburg, you will not be forgotten. Your memories live in the traditions we cherish and the communities we build. Let the spirit of Christmas guide us, as we strive to create a world worthy of legacy.
Read all at: Spennemann, D.H.R. Intangible Heritage and Its Associative Objects as Exemplified by the Materiality of the Portable Material Culture of German Christmas Markets. Heritage 2024, 7, 3511-3553. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7070166