http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Sat, 25 May 2013 09:37:02 +0200 Sat, 25 May 2013 09:37:02 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/christmas-trees-replace-forests-as-crop-of-choice-in-german-state-a-873628.html#ref=rss Environmental campaigners in Germany are up in arms because increasing areas of woodland are being switched to the cultivation of Christmas trees, which is far more lucrative than normal forests. Now a state government wants to limit the trend despite accusations that it is axing a centuries-old tradition. Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:20:51 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/christmas-trees-replace-forests-as-crop-of-choice-in-german-state-a-873628.html Environmental campaigners in Germany are up in arms because increasing areas of woodland are being switched to the cultivation of Christmas trees, which is far more lucrative than normal forests. Now a state government wants to limit the trend despite accusations that it is axing a centuries-old tradition. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/naked-man-causes-30-000-euros-of-damage-after-christmas-party-a-873312.html#ref=rss A man got so merry at a Christmas party that he took his clothes off on his way home and ran naked through a German town early on Saturday morning in freezing temperatures, causing 30,000 euros worth of damage, police said. Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:23:41 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/naked-man-causes-30-000-euros-of-damage-after-christmas-party-a-873312.html A man got so merry at a Christmas party that he took his clothes off on his way home and ran naked through a German town early on Saturday morning in freezing temperatures, causing 30,000 euros worth of damage, police said. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/nutcracker-birthplace-seiffen-prepares-for-christmas-a-869828.html#ref=rss The proud artisans of Seiffen gave the world the nutcracker and are determined to keep their centuries-old craft alive. The Christmas industry in the Ore Mountains of Germany has survived economic crises, wars, communism and a wave of Chinese replicas -- but is now at risk from a lack of young apprentices. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:22:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/nutcracker-birthplace-seiffen-prepares-for-christmas-a-869828.html The proud artisans of Seiffen gave the world the nutcracker and are determined to keep their centuries-old craft alive. The Christmas industry in the Ore Mountains of Germany has survived economic crises, wars, communism and a wave of Chinese replicas -- but is now at risk from a lack of young apprentices. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/german-christmas-markets-open-for-2012-holiday-season-a-869610.html#ref=rss Between 3 billion and 5 billion euros are spent each year at Germany's traditional Christmas markets, which date back to the Middle Ages. But business aside, 'tis the season to be jolly -- and out in the cold clutching a hot cup of mulled wine. Tue, 27 Nov 2012 18:14:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/german-christmas-markets-open-for-2012-holiday-season-a-869610.html Between 3 billion and 5 billion euros are spent each year at Germany's traditional Christmas markets, which date back to the Middle Ages. But business aside, 'tis the season to be jolly -- and out in the cold clutching a hot cup of mulled wine.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/krampus-and-company-winter-demons-come-out-for-christmas-in-the-alps-a-863593.html#ref=rss Halloween spooks are for wimps compared to the grisly Christmastime traditions of Europe's Alps, where demonic creatures come out to punish naughty children or to drive winter away each year. A gorgeous new photography book explores the many guises of these wild monsters, whose traditional rumpus harkens back to pagan rites. Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:12:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/krampus-and-company-winter-demons-come-out-for-christmas-in-the-alps-a-863593.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/the-taste-of-trees-at-german-zoos-christmas-comes-in-january-a-808810.html#ref=rss For many German zoos, a high point of the animal year is the arrival of discarded Christmas trees. Thousands are fed to elephants, camels, polar bears and a variety of other animals. The trees are rich in Vitamin C and other healthy properties. However, the tradition is threatened at some zoos because of the use of chemicals to make trees last longer. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:41:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/the-taste-of-trees-at-german-zoos-christmas-comes-in-january-a-808810.html For many German zoos, a high point of the animal year is the arrival of discarded Christmas trees. Thousands are fed to elephants, camels, polar bears and a variety of other animals. The trees are rich in Vitamin C and other healthy properties. However, the tradition is threatened at some zoos because of the use of chemicals to make trees last longer.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/explaining-christmas-nuremberg-tries-luring-chinese-tourists-to-market-a-804799.html#ref=rss In its efforts to increase tourism, the city of Nuremberg, home to the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt, is seeking to attract more visitors from China. But a recent visit by Chinese guests to the market demonstrated how challenging it can be to pitch the holiday to guests from Shanghai or Beijing.   Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:56:51 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/explaining-christmas-nuremberg-tries-luring-chinese-tourists-to-market-a-804799.html In its efforts to increase tourism, the city of Nuremberg, home to the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt, is seeking to attract more visitors from China. But a recent visit by Chinese guests to the market demonstrated how challenging it can be to pitch the holiday to guests from Shanghai or Beijing.  ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/berlin-christmas-market-attacks-police-search-for-malicious-santa-a-803740.html#ref=rss With a man dressed as Santa still wreaking havoc in Berlin's Christmas markets, where he has been handing out spiked drinks, police are ramping up their search with a composite sketch of the suspect. They are also warning visitors and residents alike not to accept drinks from strangers. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:27:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/berlin-christmas-market-attacks-police-search-for-malicious-santa-a-803740.html With a man dressed as Santa still wreaking havoc in Berlin's Christmas markets, where he has been handing out spiked drinks, police are ramping up their search with a composite sketch of the suspect. They are also warning visitors and residents alike not to accept drinks from strangers. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spiked-schnapps-man-drugs-visitors-to-berlin-christmas-markets-a-803165.html#ref=rss Christmas markets in Berlin receive millions of visitors every year and provide a window into German festive culture. But a middle-aged man serving vodka-schnapps spiked with what may be a date-rape drug is spreading fear in the nation's capital, with eight victims in the past week. Your <i>Glühwein</i> is safe, but beware of free drinks from strangers, police warn. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:52:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spiked-schnapps-man-drugs-visitors-to-berlin-christmas-markets-a-803165.html Glühwein is safe, but beware of free drinks from strangers, police warn.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/a-revelation-joseph-of-nazareth-arrives-on-twitter-a-802010.html#ref=rss Jesus may have millions of followers worldwide, but Joseph of Nazareth isn't doing too poorly himself -- on Twitter at least. An anonymous poster in Germany is taking a new look at the Nativity, and is micro-blogging it from the perspective of Mary's man. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:27:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/a-revelation-joseph-of-nazareth-arrives-on-twitter-a-802010.html Jesus may have millions of followers worldwide, but Joseph of Nazareth isn't doing too poorly himself -- on Twitter at least. An anonymous poster in Germany is taking a new look at the Nativity, and is micro-blogging it from the perspective of Mary's man.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/good-cheer-germany-celebrates-christmas-market-season-a-799432.html#ref=rss Germany's world-famous Christmas markets have begun opening, offering residents some much-anticipated sparkle and cheer for the chilly winter. SPIEGEL ONLINE gets in a festive mood with the highlights so far. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:14:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/good-cheer-germany-celebrates-christmas-market-season-a-799432.html Germany's world-famous Christmas markets have begun opening, offering residents some much-anticipated sparkle and cheer for the chilly winter. SPIEGEL ONLINE gets in a festive mood with the highlights so far. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/you-d-better-watch-out-santa-claus-takes-down-mafia-suspect-in-sicily-a-736510.html#ref=rss Santa Claus can do it all: deliver presents, climb down chimneys, fly through the Christmas sky in his sleigh. And, as it happens, he can also make arrests. On Thursday, he busted a suspected member of the Sicilian mafia. Fri, 24 Dec 2010 10:22:10 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/you-d-better-watch-out-santa-claus-takes-down-mafia-suspect-in-sicily-a-736510.html Santa Claus can do it all: deliver presents, climb down chimneys, fly through the Christmas sky in his sleigh. And, as it happens, he can also make arrests. On Thursday, he busted a suspected member of the Sicilian mafia.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/on-the-trail-of-christmas-advent-tourism-booming-in-germany-a-736138.html#ref=rss Christmas-related tourism is big business in Germany. The country's Christmas markets are famous throughout the world, and every December thousands of visitors head to towns where traditional baubles and decorations are made. But the old-fashioned image of Advent tourism may be about to change. Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:03:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/on-the-trail-of-christmas-advent-tourism-booming-in-germany-a-736138.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/risking-lives-for-christmas-the-human-cost-of-georgia-s-fir-tree-business-a-735822.html#ref=rss Local people risk their health and often their lives for a pittance every year in the mountains of Georgia so that families in Germany and other European countries can celebrate Christmas under sweet-smelling fir trees. Now a Danish organization is trying to make the business safer for workers. Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:39:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/risking-lives-for-christmas-the-human-cost-of-georgia-s-fir-tree-business-a-735822.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/christmas-wish-lists-germany-s-santa-doesn-t-accept-e-mail-a-734864.html#ref=rss German children have been sending letters to Santa Claus for several decades now. Volunteers at special Christmas post offices write back to tens of thousands of kids each year. But, unlike in the US or France, Father Christmas in Germany won't be going online any time soon. Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:00:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/christmas-wish-lists-germany-s-santa-doesn-t-accept-e-mail-a-734864.html German children have been sending letters to Santa Claus for several decades now. Volunteers at special Christmas post offices write back to tens of thousands of kids each year. But, unlike in the US or France, Father Christmas in Germany won't be going online any time soon.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/advent-activism-hamburg-protest-group-counts-down-days-to-christmas-a-732674.html#ref=rss Activists in Hamburg have created what could well be Germany's largest Advent calendar. They have decorated the doors of 24 vacant properties across the city with Christmas baubles to raise awareness of gentrification. Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:20:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/advent-activism-hamburg-protest-group-counts-down-days-to-christmas-a-732674.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/vigilance-and-gluehwein-christmas-markets-offer-defiant-cheer-in-face-of-terror-threat-a-731147.html#ref=rss Germany is currently threatened with terror, government officials warn. But visitors to the thousands of Christmas markets that opened across the country this week are defying those fears with greater vigilance and piping hot mugs of <i>Glühwein</i>. Thu, 25 Nov 2010 15:37:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/vigilance-and-gluehwein-christmas-markets-offer-defiant-cheer-in-face-of-terror-threat-a-731147.html Germany is currently threatened with terror, government officials warn. But visitors to the thousands of Christmas markets that opened across the country this week are defying those fears with greater vigilance and piping hot mugs of Glühwein.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/europe-celebrates-end-of-christmas-epiphany-s-kings-witches-and-goblins-a-670411.html#ref=rss The Christmas season only really ends in Europe on Jan. 6. Traditions across the continent vary wildly -- from processions of kings and gift-bearing witches to brave souls diving into icy waters. Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:29:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/europe-celebrates-end-of-christmas-epiphany-s-kings-witches-and-goblins-a-670411.html The Christmas season only really ends in Europe on Jan. 6. Traditions across the continent vary wildly -- from processions of kings and gift-bearing witches to brave souls diving into icy waters.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/fir-perfection-scientists-seek-to-clone-perfect-christmas-tree-a-668644.html#ref=rss Some people spend weeks looking for the right Christmas tree. In Copenhagen, Danish scientists are mapping the genome of the conifer for the first time. They hope to use the data to breed the perfect Christmas tree. Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:49:15 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/fir-perfection-scientists-seek-to-clone-perfect-christmas-tree-a-668644.html Some people spend weeks looking for the right Christmas tree. In Copenhagen, Danish scientists are mapping the genome of the conifer for the first time. They hope to use the data to breed the perfect Christmas tree.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/no-reindeer-required-european-car-designers-pimp-santa-s-ride-a-668859.html#ref=rss The next time Santa sets off for his around-the-world journey on Christmas Eve, he may have slick new ride. The design chiefs of six top automobile manufacturers have come up with their take on the sleigh of the future. Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:15:51 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/no-reindeer-required-european-car-designers-pimp-santa-s-ride-a-668859.html