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Christmas markets: early opening causes trouble on Dead Sunday!
Find out everything about Dead Sunday: tradition, Christmas markets and new regulations for contemplative celebrations in Germany.
Christmas markets: early opening causes trouble on Dead Sunday!
In recent years there has been a lot of loud discussion about when the Christmas markets should actually open properly. A topic that comes up again and again is the Sunday of the Dead. This special day of remembrance, also known as Eternity Sunday, is the last in the church year and falls on the last Sunday before the Sundays of Advent. It is used by many Protestant Christians to commemorate relatives who died in the past year and is therefore referred to as a “quiet holiday” on which happy events such as Christmas markets are traditionally not allowed to take place. Reported on this watson.de, that the official regulation actually states that Christmas markets should only open after the Sunday of the Dead.
However, this rule is not always followed. More and more Christmas markets are opening in October, which is viewed critically by the Protestant Church. The Bonn pastor Oliver Ploch expresses concerns that the early opening could disrupt reflection on the Sunday of the Dead. In many churches, the names of the deceased are mentioned on this day and graves are lovingly decorated, while public events are prohibited.
Special features of the Sunday of the Dead
Like that too ndr.de emphasizes, Dead Sunday always falls between November 20th and 26th. For example, in 2024 it fell on November 24th. Christians celebrate this day with reflection and holding happy celebrations on this day is not permitted. The origins of Eternal Sunday date back to the time of the Reformation; King Frederick William III of Prussia introduced it at that time.
The regulations in connection with this silent holiday vary depending on the federal state. In Lower Saxony, for example, it is required that events be stopped 24 hours in advance, while in Schleswig-Holstein Christmas markets must remain closed from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Activities that do not correspond to the character of the day are therefore not permitted.
Alternatives to Christmas markets
For all those who want to get into a festive mood before the Sunday of the Dead, the so-called winter markets are ideal. These often open earlier and are open throughout Advent, as they do not have the same restrictions as Christmas markets. Despite the name as a Christmas market, it is therefore not correct to say that these were renamed nationwide in order to take into account people of other faiths or non-believers.
So if you're in the mood for mulled wine, roasted almonds and a festive atmosphere, you should look for a winter market nearby. These markets can provide a welcome alternative, while Dead Sunday leaves room for reflection and devotion - for those who want it.