Räuchermännchen are wooden figures that originated in the area around the Ore mountains. First appearing in the early 19th Century, they are used to burn Räucherkerzen - candles that let off a scent when burnt. They are usually in the form of a craftsman or someone from a particular trade such as a woodsman. … [Read more...]
Christstollen
Christstollen is a traditional cake that is eaten at Christmas. It takes the form of a rectangle or trapezium and is usually covered in icing sugar. The main ingredients include raisins, sultanas, currants and citrus peel, but beyond that there a many variations, such as with marzipan, extra butter or nut. Arguably the most famous version is the stollen from Dresden. … [Read more...]
Spekulatius
Spekulatius is a type of spiced biscuit that is eaten at Christmas in Germany. As well as the normal form of the biscuit, there are variations made with almonds or with extra butter. The form of the biscuits tells the story of St. Nicholas. Because of the price of the spices involved, these biscuits were expensive to make until the 1950s, so they are considered to be … [Read more...]
Bergmannsfigur
The Bergmannsfigur is a traditional Christmas decoration in the Erzgebirge area of Germany. They are wooden figures that hold a candle in each hand. On becoming a father it was the duty of each man to make one of these figures, in the shape of a miner for a boy or an angel for a girl. These were placed in the windows of the houses and provided candlelight for the streets … [Read more...]
Weihnachtskrippe
Weihnachtskrippe is the name given to a Nativity scene in Germany, often found in town centres during advent. It depicts the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Many families have their own model Weihnachtskrippe at home. Some of these are self-made, others have been collected over a period of time with a new figure being added each year. Typically, these are also passed down … [Read more...]