European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - December 08, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Tasteful gifts Sale items include figurines made from among other things prunes and nuts. Christ Masin Nurnberg Germany s oldest Market full of Light and life by Ron Jensen Nurnberg Bureau the holy land is for Sale at the Nurnberg . Tiny bags of Sand from Israel can be purchased in the International area of Germany s oldest Christmas Market. The Sand packages and Olive Wood carvings of the nativity also from Israel Are part of the mix that includes More traditional regional items such As Zwetschke Mannle tiny figures made from fruit nuts and crepe paper and the Rauschkold Nengel a Pape Rangel. _ from sweaters and leather belts to czech Crystal and scottish Wool and from Nurnberg Lebkuchen Gingerbread to music boxes the Market is a carnival of sights sounds and smells. Browsers warm up with a cup of Christmas cheer. Kurt Baker whose wife spec. Theresa Baker is stationed in Lan Stuhl Germany browsed through the Market on opening Day. He said he liked the different smells the different  it s a pretty sight said Gail Munde who was visiting Germany from Raleigh n.c., and made the Market s opening part of her itinerary. What a  the  or Christ child Market has deep roots in the City. One historian said that its origins go Back to the 1550s when As Parton a tradition begun by lutheran protestants children were Given gifts at Christmas. A Early in the next Century traders came from As far away As Holland to sell goods at the usual pre Christ has Market. In 1639, Nurnberg merchants set up stalls in anticipation of the arrival of Sellers and buyers giving birth to the Market attended by up to 2 million visitors every year _ even during the War the Market was he one longtime resident said although the pickings were slim. I be been to the Market i think this is the fourth _ time Saij capt. Kim Anglesey of the 793rd my in in nearby Furth. It s great. That s Why i keep coming  -. ? a re he likes the Nurnberg bratwurst and sauerkraut he said plus the go Uhlein the spiced hot wine sold at most markets in Germany. _ it s delicious he said. I it s disgusting said his wife Diane indicating the love it or hate it attitude most people have toward Trie purple beverage _ v the Market opened nov. 25 in its usual manner. At _ 5 30 p.m., lights went out songs were Sung and Barbara i Gens a girl designated As this year s Christ Childr -1 announced the opening from the Balcony of the Frauen Kirche the Church that has looked Down upon the Market place for More than 600 years. As she did thousands of people jammed together to find a spot that offered a View of the Balcony around through or Over the 186 stalls on the Market place. Until Christmas eve the Market s final Day expect the grounds to be just As packed on weekends and " weeknights. Daytime during the week is the Only time. When ambling through the Market is possible. Is photos by Michael Abrams stalls stocked with baked goods sweets wooden toys jewelry and other gift ideas spread out at the foot of 14th-Century Frauen Kirche 74 stripes Magazine december 8, 1994 clockwise from top lights illuminate buildings around the Haup Markt the Square where the Market is held surrounded by heralds and Angels Barbara Zillgenz As the Christ child opens the 1994 Market the Schoner Brunnen a gothic Fountain and City landmark looks Down on a group of stalls. December 9, 1991 stripes Magazine 75