We are at war. An economic war is blowing over our heads, destroys our lives and sweeps away our dreams. It leaves us wounded in a muddy trench in the middle of a frozen battle field. Naked and unprotected. And yet. Let’s take the chance and make a truce. A Christmas Truce. Let’s hold one moment and think of ourselves. Reflect on our own peace of mind and soul. Let’s help those in need, let’s shake hands with our enemy. We still have 363 days to go our own way. Let’s have a Christmas truce, even if it lasts only for a couple of days. I have been almost shocked these days go around for Christmas shopping. People on the streets or at the market hardly say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” this year. Almost scary. So I decided to start wishing first…
If German, French and British soldiers could manage a temporary Christmas ceasefire in the middle of World War I, in 1914, we can do it too.
The Christmas truce of 1914 is seen as a symbolic moment of peace and humanity amidst one of the most violent events of modern history. You can’t believe how contemporary this symbolic moment can be nowadays.
Christmas truce was a series of widespread unofficial ceasefires that took place along the Western Front around Christmas of 1914, during the First World War. Through the week leading up to Christmas, parties of German and British soldiers began to exchange seasonal greetings and songs between their trenches; on occasion, the tension was reduced to the point that individuals would walk across to talk to their opposite numbers bearing gifts. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, many soldiers from both sides – as well as, to a lesser degree, from French units – independently ventured into “No man’s land”, where they mingled, exchanging food and souvenirs. As well as joint burial ceremonies, several meetings ended in carol-singing. The truce is seen as a symbolic moment of peace and humanity amidst one of the most violent events of modern history. (wikipedia)
That human moment of WW1 was powerfully featured in the film “Joyeux Noel” (2005). Scottish, French and German soldiers fraternise on Christmas Eve (based on a true story). and there is to hear one of the most beautiful Christmas songs: “Adeste Fideles – laeti triumphantes”- (O Come all ye faithful). The singing of fictional German tenor Nikolaus Sprink (Benno Fürmann) was done by Rolando Villazón.
Video: Adeste Fideles Rolando Villazon and Griogair Lawrie-bagpipes (Joyeux Noel)
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Merry Christmas in Peace!
At one point impromptu games of soccer took place. It is recorded that one match finished with a 3 – 2 victory over the British by the Germans. Nothing changed there then.
I had omitted this sentence about the soccer match. I thought it wasn’t important lol – little do I know…
Thank you for letting us know about this. It was very touching!