A Christmas Pyramid is a Christmas decoration that has it's roots in the Erzgebirge area of Germany,but has become popular throughout the country. It's a kind of carousel with one or more levels depicting Christian motifs such as angels,manger scenes and other secular motifs such as mountain folk,forests,and other scenes. The spinning motion of the pyramid is traditionally achieved with the help of the candles whose heat spins the propeller above. Generally pyramids are made of various woods. The origins of the pyramids date back to the Middle Ages. In this period it was traditional in southern and western Europe to bring evergreens trees into the home and hang them,in order to ward off moroseness in the dark and cold winter months. In the northern and eastern parts of Europe,candles were used to achieve this goal. The Christmas Pyramid would eventually unify these two tradition's and become a symbol of Christmas celebrations. Over time craftsman added wooden figurines and scenes to enhance the season,to the Christmas Pyramid we see today. Two years ago my Aunt and Uncle got us one for a Christmas gift,and we really treasure it. I could watch the propeller spin for a time, and watch the design it makes on the ceiling. This is the one they got for us.
In the Mistress's opinion,the Mueller Company probably makes the most fabulous Christmas pyramids. The Mueller family started making them in 1899 and still continues to, till this day.
Here are just some of the ex samples of there work and craftsmanship. They really are just beautiful.
A very elaborate Christmas pyramid!
This is another form of the pyramid you may also remember from when you were a child,the Swedish Angel Chime. I was thinking of ordering one on Ebay ,to bring back the sound and memories from the Mistress's childhood. Did you have one of these?
I've always wanted one of these. One day I will get one! Perhaps when I have my own house.
ReplyDeleteEven though the family founders came from Germany and Sweden (the Ponder children are related to royalty on the wrong side of the eiderdown...) the pyramid tradition did not come with them. Very interesting post.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting!
ReplyDeleteMaddie, we didn't, but my mom's best friend did. She lived down the street from us. I think she may have had two, my memory is a little sketchy on that. I do remember being fascinated by it/them, as I watched it twirl.
ReplyDeleteCool and intresting facts on these. I don't think I ever know the background on these.
ReplyDeleteA great post. I have two of the Swedish Angel chime, but a friend of mine has three of the fancy woods ones. They are very intricate and detailed. Some of the parts are so small. I would like to get one but some of them cost from $150 and up yo like $1000! A treasure you will alway have.
ReplyDeleteOh these things are so neat and beautiful to watch. I have my grandmothers angel chime sonce she passed on. I have had it like 12 years now and I never get tried of it from year to year.
ReplyDeleteThe pyramids are awesome, I love the candles and propellers :o)
ReplyDeleteThose things are cool. I should check out their website t get one. I love things made of wood! A great collector item.
ReplyDeleteAs a architecture student I love these! I would love to have the gaint one you have pictured here. Course I'm a size queen! Intresting post.
ReplyDeleteIntresting. You know I used to have a pair of earings like the angels from the Swedish Angel chime.
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