German traditional Gifts - handmade wooden art from the Erzgebirge in Germany

The first predecessor of Candle Arches (Schwibbogen) was manufactured 1726 from wrought iron. The German name Schwibbogen refers to a type of arch constructed in gothic times when an arch between two walls was called "Schwebebogen" (floating arch).

The look goes back to a tradition of miners, who hung their burning pit lamps semicircularly on the pit entry hole before they started their last shift before Christmas. The Candle Arch expresses the longing of light by the miners who did not see very much daylight during their workdays.

Everyday scenes from the life of the miners were the main motif at first. Nowadays the Holy Story and other religious topics often serve as motives. In addition the forest with its animals and the homeland can be seen.

more about „Candle Arches”