Christmas pyramids from the Ore Mountains for an atmospheric Christmas
Christmas pyramids from the Erzgebirge have their origins in the Middle Ages. With the power of light one tried to avert disaster in the dark times. With us you get extremely high-quality Christmas pyramids in different sizes, with different motifs and drive methods. Christmas pyramids are known for their enchanting play of light and shadow and are just as much a part of the Advent and Christmas season as the incense smoker or the candle arch. They are a classic among Christmas decorations and very popular with both children and adults. The Christmas pyramid can look back on a long history.
origin of Christmas pyramids
At that time, the production and use of traditional folk art took place exclusively in the Erzgebirge. Today, Christmas pyramids enjoy great popularity worldwide and serve the pre-Christmas room decoration as well as the decoration of outdoor places. With their filigree woodcarving art, the Christmas pyramids fascinate young and old. On multi-storey, carousel-like poles there are detailed carved figures, of a Christian and secular nature.
How do Christmas pyramids from the Erzgebirge work?
Due to the air rising from candle heat, the impeller attached to the top rotates and creates an atmospheric, cozy Christmas atmosphere through the uniform rotational movement. But in this day and age, of course, the Christmas pyramid is also available with electric lighting, this makes this special Christmas decoration even safer. There are hardly any limits to the versatility of motifs, sizes and lighting of pyramids.
Christmas pyramids from Seiffen buy online in our store
We offer you a large selection of Christmas pyramids from Seiffen. From one to five storeys, with very different motifs and according to individual wishes with electric or natural candles, optionally also a completely unassembled pyramid or how about an Easter pyramid. We manufacture in traditional handicraft individually according to your wishes, so that your very personal Christmas magic finds its way into your home.
What is the history of the Christmas pyramid from the Ore Mountains?
In the Middle Ages, there were various customs in Europe to avert "evil" in dark times. Some hung evergreen branches in the apartment. Others tried to drive away the calamity with the power of light. These two customs were united in Germany in the 18th century, in the then well-known light frames. The light frames consisted of four rods, which were wrapped with green branches and equipped with lights. Especially at Christmas time, this scaffolding was set up for the Christmas mass or the mass on Christmas Eve and hung with candles and glittering objects.
This light frame reminded the miners in the Erzgebirge of the shape of a „Göpel“. This was mostly a horse-driven conveyor system that was used in mining. Incidentally, the work in the Göpel, the measured horsepower, later led to the introduction of the power unit PS. The miners began to put handmade wooden figures in the empty „Göpel“. This was the foundation of today's Christmas pyramid from the Erzgebirge. It was not until around 1830, when paraffin was discovered for the cheap production of candles, that the Christmas pyramid as we know it today gradually emerged.
These Christmas pyramids were decorated with candles and various motifs. Figures on themes such as the birth of Christ, mining or the animals of the forest were placed on plates. However, there were no movable elements until then. Over time, a rod was attached in the middle of the frame, to which a impeller is attached at the top, which sets itself and the individual levels in motion by the rising candle heat. On the levels, the so-called turntables, handmade wooden figures were placed.
Meaning of the Christmas pyramid from the Ore Mountains
The Christmas pyramid has always become more and more popular. They are often left in their natural wood hue or lovingly painted by hand. Even in the size and number of levels, there are now hardly any limits.
Even today, the Christmas pyramid from the Erzgebirge shows traditional and home-bound motifs, such as miners, animals or scenes of the Christmas story. It still stands for original German craftsmanship. High-quality made, the Christmas pyramids convince with their quality and detail.
The inhabitants of the Erzgebirge are particularly proud of this wooden work of art. Since the 1930s, the Christmas pyramid can no longer only be found inside the homes, but also outside in public places. These Christmas pyramids are produced in large format and are clearly visible from afar. In the meantime, around 150 such large pyramids can be found in the region of the Erzgebirge. Some of them are even set up all year round.
order Christmas pyramids from the Erzgebirge online
You don't have a Christmas pyramid that decorates your living room yet? Enjoy it and make yourself happy with a pyramid in the most contemplative time of the year. Lovers of craftsmanship from the Erzgebirge will find another piece of jewellery for their home in our Shop. Let yourself be enchanted by the multitude of Christmas pyramids at seiffen.com.
They are a classic among Christmas decorations and very popular with both children and adults. The Christmas pyramid can look back on a long history.
> Here you will find an answer to frequently asked questions.
Where does the Christmas pyramid from the Ore Mountains get its name?
The first light frames are said to have been made in the 16th century. A tent-like frame was made from wooden sticks, which was tied together at the top and fitted with candles. It was shaped like a pyramid. Later, the Christmas pyramid developed from these frames, which was then supposed to represent a horse gnome and was supplemented by a fan wheel and a turntable.
When do you put up a Christmas pyramid?
Every year in the pre-Christmas, Christmas pyramids are fetched down from the attic in the Erzgebirge and find their place in people's living rooms. Just in time for the 1st Advent, these small and large Christmas wonders turn and are looked at with astonished looks, because no other Christmas decoration conjures up such a wonderful play of light and shadow, whether with real candles or electric candles. Traditionally, the Christmas pyramids are rewrapped on January 6th, (Tag der Heiligen Drei Könige) Epiphany Day or (Mariä Lichtmess) Candlemas on February 2nd.
Which candles should be used on the Christmas pyramid?
In addition to real wax candles, Christmas pyramids can also be powered electrically. Then a quiet electric motor provides movement and the electric candles light up. However, real candles are still the more popular option, as they create a more idyllic atmosphere. The selection of the candles should be based on the size of the spout (piece of metal usually with drip protection in the candle holder) and the quality. In our online shop you will receive a recommendation for the right size for each Christmas pyramid. You should also use wax candles of tested quality to prevent soot and drips. They usually burn more quietly and for longer. The trend is towards Christmas pyramids with tea lights. Here, too, you can get them in premium quality in our online shop.
What wood are Christmas pyramids made of?
The Erzgebirge is a landscape that is characterized by many forests. It is therefore natural that the wood for the Christmas pyramids comes from here. Spruce is predominantly at home in the forests, which is why this wood is used. Pine, maple, beech, alder, ash and lime wood are also popular. Noble versions of Christmas pyramids set accents in different types of wood, with rare foreign woods such as Amazakoe, hornbeam, Sipo, Zebrano or Padauk being used.
How should the wings be aligned?
Traditionally, Christmas pyramids rotate clockwise, more rarely counterclockwise. The direction and speed of rotation can be influenced by the blade position. Please note that the pyramid does not rotate when the wings are vertical because the warm air flows through it, and a completely horizontal position also creates a significant fire hazard because the heat accumulates. With wings flared at 45 degrees, it rotates fastest.
Why isn't my Christmas pyramid rotating?
If your pyramid is not rotating, there could be a number of reasons. As described above, it can be due to the blade position of the impeller. Try to get the right angle. Please note that the distance between the candle and the impeller is also optimized. Manufacturers' recommendations should be followed - a minimum distance creates extreme heat without generating speed and is dangerous. Too large a distance generates too little heat for the drive. High-quality Christmas pyramids from the Erzgebirge begin to move as soon as a candle is lit. Christmas pyramids from the Asian region are mostly of inferior quality and the frame was installed crookedly and creates friction.
Sometimes it is also worth looking at the pyramid bearing on which the tip of the metal needle sits. It is usually located under the lower plate or on the floor in larger pyramids. The bearing should have a smooth surface and no indentation. In this case, replace the bearing. The location of your Christmas pyramid is also important. On the one hand please do not place too close to the ceiling due to the resulting thermals and on the other hand please do not set it up in a drafty place.
