一則關於科隆家庭精靈(Heinzelmännchen)的故事
From Hidden Helpers to Winter Wonders: the Köln Heinzelmännchen Story
歲末年終，回顧這充實而繁忙的一年，你知道道曾經有段時間，人們並非總是如此辛苦。這歸功於他們擁有一群可靠的助手，在夜深人靜時，默默地協助完成該完成的工作。
這是藏在每個科隆居民家中的一則故事
很久很久以前，科隆的居民家裡住著一群小精靈（Heinzelmännchen），他們會在夜裡偷偷協助人們完成他們未完成的工作。這些小精靈樂於助人，無私地幫助木匠蓋好房子、麵包師烘焙新鮮麵包、肉舖老闆灌好香腸、釀酒師釀製美酒，還有裁縫師縫製新衣。他們不希望被人們發現，所以他們總是在大家都沈睡的夜裡工作。小精靈的存在使得人們不再有工作做不完的煩惱，每個夜晚都可以安心入睡。
然而，有一天，一位裁縫的妻子無法抗拒好奇心的誘惑，決定以狡猾的方式揭開這些小精靈的真面目。她在樓梯上灑滿碗豆並躲了起來。當夜晚降臨，小精靈出現時，他們被碗豆絆倒，一個接一個滾下樓梯，發出巨大的聲響和尖叫聲。裁縫的妻子終於如願看到小精靈，但這也意味著小精靈們永遠消失了。
隔天早上，人們驚覺到未完成的工作依然存在，卻再也沒有了小精靈的幫助。從那時起，人們只能獨自完成工作，不再有夜晚的神祕助手陪伴。
故事說到這裡的確讓人感到有些遺憾，別急！故事還有後續。
再現蹤跡 聖誕市集(Heinzels Wintermärchen)
每年的冬天，在科隆的老城區有著最古老、也是這個城市最大的聖誕市集(Heinzels Wintermärchen)。在每年的這個時間裡，小精靈會回來這個城市，並將 Alter Markt 和 Heumarkt 廣場變身成為美妙的冬日仙境。在這裡，除了有各種工匠手工製品、現場製作的甜點和美食，你也可以再次看到小精靈的身影和關於他的故事。
順便一提：Heumarkt 市集開放至 2024 年 1 月 7 日，為期數週的冬日仙境將持續蔓延。
現在，我們或許不再有 Heinzelmännchen 的幫助，但或許在市集熱紅酒和溫暖食物的幫助下，我們可以獲得新的一年持續前進的動力。
2023 Heumarkt 市集
營業資訊2023年11月24日 - 2024年1月7日
(2023年11月26日、12月24日、12月25日關閉)
每日上午 11 點至晚上 10 點
(12月26日後，營業時間結束提早一小時至晚上 9 點)
隨著冬季的結束，如果你仍然希望遇見小精靈的身影，不妨翻閱德國畫家兼詩人奧古斯都（August Kopisch）於1836年所創作的詩歌。或者，你也可以在科隆老城區，Cölner Hofbräu Früh 啤酒廠對面的噴泉紀念碑附近漫遊，或許會有意外的驚喜等待著你。
As the year comes to an end, people often reflect on how busy it has been. However, there was a time when people didn't need to be this hardworking. It can be credited to a reliable group of assistants who, during the quiet hours of the night, silently aided in the tasks that needed to be done.
This is a story hidden in the homes of every Cologne
A long, long time ago, in the homes of Cologne's residents, there lived a group of little elves (Heinzelmännchen). They would secretly assist people at night in completing tasks left unfinished. These little elves gladly helped carpenters build houses, bakers bake fresh bread, butchers fill sausages, brewers craft fine wines, and tailors sew new clothes. They preferred not to be seen, so they always worked while everyone was asleep at night. The presence of these little elves relieved people of the worry of unfinished work, allowing them to sleep peacefully every night.
However, one day, a tailor's wife couldn't resist the temptation of curiosity and decided to cunningly unveil the true identity of these little elves. She scattered beans on the stairs and hid. When night fell, and the little elves appeared, they stumbled over the beans, one after another, tumbling down the stairs with loud noises and screams. The tailor's wife finally got her wish to see the little elves, but it also meant the elves would disappear forever.
The next morning, people found that the unfinished work still piled up there. From that time onwards, people had to complete their tasks alone, without the mysterious helpers of the night.
The story coming to this point indeed leaves a sense of regret, but don't worry! The story has more to unfold.
Reappear in the Christmas market(Heinzels Wintermärchen)
Every winter, in the old town of Cologne, there is the oldest and largest Christmas market - Heinzel's Winter Fairy Tale (Heinzels Wintermärchen) in the city. During this time each year, little elves return to the city, transforming Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares into enchanting winter fairy tale. Here, besides various artisan crafts, freshly made desserts, and delicious food, you can once again see the silhouettes of little elves and learn more about their stories.
By the way, Heumarkt market will be open until January 7, 2024, and the magical Heinzel's Winter Fairy Tale will continue to spread its charm.
Now, perhaps we no longer have the assistance of Heinzelmännchen, but with the help of mulled wine and warm food at the market, we can gain the motivation to continue progressing into the new year.
2023 Heumark Open Hour
24 November to 7 January
(Closed 26 November & 24/25 December)
Opening hours: open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
from 26 December from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
As winter comes to an end, if you still wish to encounter the presence of little elves, consider perusing the poem created by the German artist and poet August Kopisch in 1836. Alternatively, you can wander near the fountain monument opposite Cölner Hofbräu Früh brewery in the old town of Cologne, where unexpected surprises may await you.
Thank you, Heinzelmännchen. Happy 2024 baby Ludwig