Artists Abundant in Kurpark, Bad Sebastiansweiler (forty of them)
In the picturesque town of Mössingen, nestled within the Baden-Württemberg region, a two-day event known as the hobby art forum took place at the arts and crafts market in the Kurpark. This year, the event saw a significant increase in attendance, with many attendees drawn to the array of gift items on offer, such as pottery, felted items, paintings, wooden artworks, and Advent wreaths.
However, the star attraction of the hobby art forum was not a typical art piece. Mistletoe, the parasitic plant with a long-standing cultural and historical significance during the Christmas season, was sold as a romantic item at the market. A sprig of mistletoe could be purchased for 16 euros.
Mistletoe, which infests fruit trees, has been a part of European Christmas traditions for centuries. In ancient times, it was regarded as a sacred plant by Druids and other pagan cultures, believed to have healing powers and to bring good luck. In Christianized Europe, mistletoe became a symbol of love and peace during the Christmas season. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe originated in England but spread widely across Europe, including Germany.
In Germany, mistletoe is often hung in homes and public places to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. It’s sold fresh during the Christmas market season. The demand for mistletoe in Mössingen likely reflects broader trends in Baden-Württemberg and Germany, where locals cherish the tradition.
The hobby art forum, organised by Maria Funk and Ingrid Blaich for over 20 years, is not just a market for mistletoe, but also offers various artworks and gift ideas. The event, which features a total of 54 planned exhibitors, is a testament to the community-oriented spirit of local Christmas markets.
The tradition of "National Mistletoe Day" is observed in Germany, where the market is located. Last Sunday, the date of December 5, was observed as "National Mistletoe Day". This custom, which originated in England, is not exclusive to sentimental Britons.
While some exhibitors, including newcomers, had to cancel due to illness, the hobby art forum saw its best December opening in a long time. The hobby art forum is not a flea market, implying that the prices are not low or cheap. Instead, it offers high-quality goods, making it a popular destination for those seeking unique and meaningful Christmas gifts.
As the Christmas season approaches, the demand for mistletoe is expected to rise, and the hobby art forum in Mössingen is poised to continue its role in preserving and promoting this traditional and meaningful custom.
- The hobby art forum in Mössingen, a renowned event in Germany, not only showcases artworks but also offers mistletoe during the Christmas market season, becoming a prime destination for those seeking to incorporate the traditional plant into their home-and-garden lifestyle.
- As the Christmas season unfolds, many in the Baden-Württemberg region and beyond are expected to enhance their lifestyle by incorporating the symbolic mistletoe into their home-and-garden decor, with the hobby art forum in Mössingen offering fresh sprigs for 16 euros.
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