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...]
Räucherkerzen
Räucherkerzen are candles that produce a scented smoke. Commonly found scents are incense, pine, cinnamon and honey. Coming originally from the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) they are often used as part of Christmas decorations, such as Räuchermännchen. … [Read more...]
Schwibbogen
A Schwibbogen is an arc-shaped wooden candle holder that originated in the Erzgebirge area of Germany. Modern versions have electrical candles on them and can often be seen in people's windows. … [Read more...]
Dominosteine
The word Dominostein is used to describe a small baked sweet that is eaten at Christmas time in Germany. It is made up of two or three layers, the base being Lebkuchen, the middle fruit jelly, and the top layer marzipan or persipan. This is then covered in a thin chocolate coating. Dominosteine are a relatively recent invention. They were created in Dresden in 1936 and … [Read more...]
Nußknacker
Nußknacker are a decorative form of nut crackers. Although they are usually able to crack nuts using their mouths, they are normally used as Christmas ornaments. They have the form of a person, such as a soldier in uniform. Originating from the area around the Ore mountains they can have around 60 moving parts! The figures inspired the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky. … [Read more...]