Volume 56, Number 6
December 08 / January 09
Berlin Airlift
Es gilt das gesprochene Wort The Value of the Spoken Word By: Darlene Fuchs - excerpts from German Consul General Drautz’ speech
Sankt Nikolaus By: Darlene Fuchs
St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th in Germany, which is one of the most distinctive children’s festival of the year. On the evening before the 6th, children place their newly cleaned shoes in front of the door in the hope that Sankt Nikolaus might fill them with nuts, fruits, chocolate, sweets toys and other little gifts. If the children have behaved well, their wishes will be fulfilled. Children who have caused mischief will receive only coal or a switch, which symbolizes punishment for their bad deeds. Nikolaus was born in Patara, a city of Licia in Asia Minor (part of modern day Turkey), around 255-257 A.D., and died on December 6, 343. Little is know about his background, except that he came from an affluent family. When he was still a young man, Nikolaus heard of an honorable family who had fallen into poverty. The father had three young daughters, who were unable to marry because their father was too poor to offer a dowry. In desperation, the father resolved to deliver his daughters to a brothel. When Nicholas heard of their plight, he came up with a scheme to assist this family. According to legend, the young Nikolaus tossed three packets of money through their window one night. This money was sufficient to pay for the dowry of the three daughters. The tradition of giving gifts on Christmas morning stems from Nikolaus’ act of charity. Through stories and legends associated with him, he became known as the protector of children and the
anonymous bestower of gifts upon them. Over the centuries, the life and deeds of St. Nikolaus were celebrated on the 6th of December. By the Middle Ages, the observance had become a celebration of children and a day on which they received gifts. It was Martin Luther who sought to sever the connection between the saint and the gift-giving celebration for children, because in his Reformation theology, there was no place for the glorification of saints. Rather than abolishing the custom outright, Martin Luther replaced the persona of Nikolaus with that of the Christ child in his teachings, not Nikolaus, but rather now the baby Jesus, was attributed with bringing the children gifts, and not on the saint’s day but at Christmas. The supporters of the Catholic Counterreformation did not quietly accept the diminishment of their saint. They responded by making Nilolaus a figure who visited families’ homes on his appointed day and stood in judgment over children. Knecht Ruprecht is a servant and helper whose face is sooty from going down chimneys to leave children’s treats. He carries the sack of presents slung over his shoulder and a rod for disobedient children. “Just wait until Knecht Ruprecht comes” is still a common warning in German homes as some children are threatened with being hauled off in Ruprecht’s sack. In Germany Knecht Ruprecht comes in many forms: Krampus in Southern Germany, Pelzebock or Pelznickel in the North-West, Hans Muff in Rhineland, Bartel or the Wild Bear in Silesia, Gumphinkel with a bear in Hesse, Black Pit close to the Dutch border or Schmutzli in German-speaking Switzerland.
Current Events
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Pages 3-5 Page 6
After a short welcome to the dignitaries and veterans of the 1948/1949 Berlin Airlift, Consul General Drautz thanked the Freedom Museum and McCormick Foundation for organizing the event celebrating the Airlifts 60th anniversary. The Freedom Museum opened is doors on April 11, 2006, and is the first museum dedicated to freedom and the First Amendment. Although much has been said about this great humanitarian effort and historic event, Consul General Drautz, as the representative of the German Government in Chicago, reminded us that we share not only the common value of freedom, but a longlasting friendship. He went on to acknowledge that the airlift veterans have become true heroes, not by bombing as many enemies as possible from their aircrafts, but by saving the lives of men, women and children with ”Operation Vittles”. Herr Drautz thanked the veterans for helping German people survive and pointed out that the airlift was instrumental as a diplomatic tool, to show the Soviets that the Western allies were standing by their commitment, which was to save freedom and the city of Berlin. The “Hungerkralle”, Hungerclaw memorial was erected to honor the U.S. and it’s allies who gave their life in executing one of history’s largest humanitarian relief operations. Herr Drautz called the present veterans the true first heroes of the cold war, who planted the seeds of friendship in the hearts and minds of over two million Berliner’s and the German people, which still endures today. He went on to remind us that friendship and cooperation is still needed in the future, as we face common threats to our freedom and democracy due to the many global changes. In closing, the veterans in attendance were presented with the German Friendship Award.
(Left to Right) Dagmar Freiberger, Bill Fuchs, Lt. Gail S. Halvorsen, Wolfgang Drautz, Alderman Schulter
Pages 8-9
Schools
Pages 12-13
Calendar
Book Reviews
Food
Obituaries
Page 10
Page 13
Page 14 Page 15
Christmas Greetings Pages 7, 11, 15