Messe

Messe is a German noun with two principal meanings: in religious contexts it denotes Mass, the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist, especially in Catholicism, while in commerce and industry it denotes a trade fair or exhibition.

In the Mass sense, Die Messe refers to the Eucharistic service, including readings, prayers, hymns, and the consecration of bread and wine. It is typically led by a priest or minister and performed within a liturgical framework. In Catholic usage the term is standard; in many Protestant traditions the word is less common, with Gottesdienst or another term more frequently used for a worship service.

In the trade fair sense, a Messe is a large, organized event where exhibitors present products or services to industry buyers or the general public. Fairs are usually held at convention centers or dedicated fairgrounds and may last several days. They are organized by fair companies and involve exhibition halls, booths, conferences, and networking opportunities. In the German-speaking world, major organizers include companies such as Messe Frankfurt and Messe München, among others, which run large venues and international exhibitions.

Etymology and usage notes: The Mass sense derives from Latin missa and the early Christian liturgy, while the fair sense developed from medieval market gatherings and assemblies. In modern German, the two senses are distinguished by context, though both are spelled and capitalized as Messe.