Berlin Shopping Center Sparks Controversy with Colourful Phallic Christmas Tree Displays

The display windows of the Galleries Lafayette, a major shopping centre in Berlin, facing the street, are adorned with six Christmas trees decorated with ornaments shaped like multicoloured male genitalia. At first glance, one might think they are misshapen candles.

Galleries Lafayette is a French hypermarket chain with locations worldwide. Their flagship store in central Berlin occupies an entire block on Friedrichstrasse, as reported by Bild.

The new decoration is visible from the direction of French Street. When passing by, the unconventional decorations may not be immediately noticeable, but they attract the attention of many passers-by. People stop and take photos of the phallic Christmas ornaments to share on social media. Some find it amusing, while others consider it unchristian.

However, a QR code on the display reveals that it is a tourist promotion for the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan on the eastern edge of the Himalayas. But what is the connection between phalluses and Bhutan?

Fabian Winkelsesser, the press secretary of Galleries Lafayette, responded to journalists' inquiries: "The phallus is a widespread cultural symbol in Bhutan, and here, it has no sexual connotation but rather signifies luck, protection, and fertility."

This tradition dates back to the 15th century when Guru Drukpa Kunley, who came from Tibet, supposedly defeated evil demons solely through the power of his phallus.

According to Galleries Lafayette, the advertisement has been well-received: "So far, we have only received positive feedback from our customers, and honestly, we have not had any concerns," said the spokesperson. "Our customers particularly appreciate our company for such activities," he added.

By the way, the phalluses from the Christmas trees are not for sale. Visitors can enjoy these unique specimens of various colours, sizes, and types until the end of January.

It's worth noting that the French department store chain Galleries Lafayette will be leaving its only German office in Berlin-Mitte next year, thereby exiting Germany. The lease agreement for the branch on Friedrichstrasse with the property owner Tishman Speyer will not be renewed.

The end of Galleries Lafayette is already mourned on social media. The Berlin branch of the French department store network, which moved to the building on Friedrichstrasse according to the design by architect Jean Nouvel in 1996, plans to close at the end of 2024.