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Glued cypress or real Christmas magic? Willows in dispute!
Weiden in the Upper Palatinate delights with its festive Christmas market, while the controversial “hanging cypress” causes a stir.
Glued cypress or real Christmas magic? Willows in dispute!
In Weiden in the Upper Palatinate, the magic of Christmas is in full swing. But while the Christmas market attracts visitors with its typical scents of roasted almonds, punch and cinnamon stars, the choice of this year's Christmas tree is causing horrified faces. Instead of a classic Nordmann fir, a four-meter-high hanging cypress adorns the market this year. Laila Sonntag (41), a resident of the city, is critical and describes the tree as “pathetic” and “horrible”. She reacted with displeasure to the unromantic discovery of a yellow garbage bag in the treetop: “It is a symbol of the decay of the city of Weiden,” was her harsh assessment.
The responsible city representatives, represented by town hall spokesman Sebastian Hammer (37), are trying to smooth things over. “When it's dark, it's okay,” he puts the criticism into perspective and could at least appease some skeptics. The decision to use the alternative tree species was not made without reason: they wanted to try something new that was actually suggested by a citizen. The tree still has sparkle: It is decorated with stars, lights and baubles - and the Christmas lights also shine brightly in the darkness.
Celebratory atmosphere despite discussions
Although the tree has been criticized, the Christmas market itself is valued as a festive point of contact for citizens. On Monday, the employees of the building yard and the city gardening department decorated the Christmas tree at the old town hall. According to Norbert Schmieglitz, a spokesman for the city, the magnificent tree with its 50 large Christmas baubles brings the Christmas atmosphere to Weiden's old town. Mayor Jens Meyer emphasizes the importance of Christmas and invites everyone to take a look at the festive decorations while shopping for Christmas. “The tree serves as a framework for the Christmas offerings from celebrants, retailers and restaurateurs,” says Meyer.
Despite the controversy, the city is determined to return to a traditional Nordmann fir next year in order to preserve the Christmas magic that is often perceived as distinctive. Weiden undoubtedly has a good knack for bringing citizens together during this contemplative time, even if opinions differ about the choice of Christmas tree. It will be interesting to see how the experiment with the hanging cypress will affect the festivities.
Festive lighting, the Christmas spirit and the anticipation of the holidays can ensure important cohesion in the community despite all the differences of opinion. But one thing is clear: the discussion about the tree will be a topic of conversation for a while. The Christmas market continues to delight children and the city of Weiden ensures that the festive season can be enjoyed to the fullest.
While some may raise their eyebrows at the sight of it in the middle of the city, others are looking for the magic that blooms with each passing year - and which perhaps gets a new perspective through the unconventional choice of tree. So can we expect a revitalized festival and the traditional tree next year? The city of Weiden will give us an answer!