Related to the Schwibbogen and hailing from the same region of Germany is the tradition of the Christmas Pyramid whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. Usually carved or assembled from wood, the Christmas Pyramid is a carousel with several levels and a central driveshaft with a fan at the top. Candles anchored around the periphery of the lower levels provide a heated draft to turn the levels like a carousel.
Above: A carved wooden Christmas Pyramid and Schwibbogen from Germany.
Many cities in Germany now display impressive life-size Christmas Pyramids at Christmas Markets or in town squares. In the photos below, a Christmas Pyramid in Augsburg in the Christmas Market looks festive while a very tall Christmas Pyramid rises above the lighted tree in the Market in Erfurt.
Dating from the late 19th century, Angle Chimes too are associated exclusively with winter and the holiday season. Much like the Christmas Pyramid, the rising heated air from the candles at the base of the structure spin the blades at the top. As the carousel turns, tiny clappers strike the chimes creating a tinkling sound. The first recorded appearance of an Angel Chime was in 1905 when Walter Stock of the German toy firm Adrian & Stock filed for a patent. The pre-World War II German-made chimes were usually made of tin and featured lithography. After the war, simpler, Swedish-made chimes in brass became popular in both Europe and North America.
Walter Stock's patent drawing from 1905
2 comments:
Hello Jeff,
I really love the Schwibbogen that is the third image down on your Oh, By The Way page (mother holding child), and was wondering if you would be able to tell me where to find this particular Schwibbogen? I've looked at quite a few online sites that carry these items, but have not found this one.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Best,
Nancy :o)
Hi Nancy,
Sadly, I have no information about this image. I found it while researching Schwibbogens and can't recall where it came from.
Best of luck,
JEF
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