Where traders gather and barter their wares and money and high spirits abound people come looking for fun.
Not all fairs originate from religious festivals. In England and in the German states certain trade fairs were created by royal charter or statute in the 12th and 13th centuries and there were also charters granted to already existing fairs. In this way the authorities kept control of the proceeds. The big industrial fairs of Frankfurt and Leipzig have their roots in these old trade fairs. As trade was usually controlled by the guilds of the city merchants, a fair provided an opportunity for traders from far and near to sell their goods. The Fairs became melting pots with acrobats, minstrels, wild animals and hustlers mingling with traders, inventors, magicians and quacks. Food and drink abounded in these the first great feasts of the newly formed cities of an emerging Europe.
A merchant extols the virtues of his goods at this village fair.
Illustration for the book Jesting World…of the rustic simpleness (Belachende Werelt…van de Boersche eenvoudigheijt). Made by A. van de Venne in 1635.
The Dutch painter Hendrik Gerrit Ten Cate (1803-1856) captured this kermis in Haarlem. Everybody on this tableau is having a good time.
Annual fair in Hakland. A merchant tries and convince a potential buyer that a busby becomes him. The little girl probably prefers the purchase of a pair of shoes.
The Leipzig fair, in the second half of the 19th century.
For ages Leipzig was one of the most important meeting places of European showmen and traders. Leipzig had two annual fairs since 1100. Soon they developed into important trade fairs. During fair time Leipzig was overcrowded. In 1907 the fairs were moved to special grounds on the edge of town because the inner city became too small for trade and fun.
A market stall. The text deals with the customs of trading.