A ''schwibbogen'' (, from
Middle High German ', "to hover") is a decorative candle-holder from the
Ore Mountains (''Erzgebirge'') region of
Saxony,
Germany. The first metal ''schwibbogen'' was made in 1740 in
Johanngeorgenstadt. The early
candle arches consisted of a single forged piece of black metal which could be painted. The number of candles varies with the size of the arc, the original design holding eleven. In the UK candle arches or candle bridges are marketed, often just consisting of a simple wooden stepped arch with 7 electric candles. These are not strictly ''schwibbögen''.
Background
The development of the ''schwibbogen'' arch is closely related to the mining traditions of the ore mountains. It most likely developed as a candle holder made from metal for the Christmas shift (''Mettenschicht''), a common dinner celebrated by miners, the mining foreman (''
Steiger'') and the smith who had been responsible for the mining tools throughout the year. It bears symbols commonly associated with the life and wishes of the miners.
The most famous design was created by Paula Jordan in 1937 for a show in
Schwarzenberg Schwarzenberg may refer to:
People
* House of Schwarzenberg, Franconian and Bohemian aristocratic family which was first mentioned in 1172
** Karl Philipp, Prince of Schwarzenberg (1771–1820), Field Marshal in Austrian service during the Napol ...
. It depicted the three main sources of income of the people in the region in the 18th and 19th century. Thus the ''schwibbogen'' showed apart from some traditional symbols; two miners, a wood carver, a
bobbin lace
Bobbin lace is a lace textile made by braiding and twisting lengths of thread, which are wound on bobbins to manage them. As the work progresses, the weaving is held in place with pins set in a lace pillow, the placement of the pins usually de ...
maker, a Christmas Tree, two miner's hammers, two crossed swords, and an angel. It holds seven candles. Contrary to popular belief the candle holder was always associated with Christmas. The light symbolizes the longing of the miners who didn't see the daylight in winter for weeks sometimes due to their long working hours below the surface. During the Christmas shift, the lights may also have represented the
safety lamps of all the comrades from the mining team who had completed the year of dangerous work in the mine.
Over time the designs changed. After
World War II the ''schwibbogen'' has reached not only a new popularity, but had changed a lot in its looks. Modern designs are typically made out of wood, and depict historical or religious scenes. Other designs include landscapes, skylines and advertisements, retaining some link to Christmas traditions
Especially in the Ore Mountains the windows of the houses in villages and towns feature a lit candle arch—usually with the traditional designs or at least local scenes. The town of
Seiffen is particularly noted for its production of ''schwibbogen'' in its craft shops.
See also
*
Wooden toymaking in the Ore Mountains
References
External links
German website about the ''schwibbogen''''Außenschwibbogen XXL''
{{Authority control
Christmas in Germany
Christmas decorations
Winter traditions
Culture of the Ore Mountains