Christmas Pyramids

A wonderful combination of the true Christmas spirit and mechanical fantasy.

Christmas pyramids or Weinachts pyramide originated in the Erzgebirge region of Germany. There are several accounts of their origin but the most commonly accepted theory suggests that they were first crafted by the miners of the region. Today, they are a popular Christmas decoration in many parts of Germany. Christmas pyramids are the precursors of the modern Christmas tree. In the past, the pyramid was known as the "poor man's Christmas tree" because many families could not afford actual trees of their own. These man-made trees were made from wood in the shape of a pyramid by the craftsmen of the Erzgebirge as the popularity of Christmas trees increased during the 19th century. They were originally stands in the shape of a Christmas tree that were made from four wooden rods and three shelves to hold Christmas figurines. Eventually, someone began to attach the shelves to a central rod topped by a pinwheel. When candles were placed at the base, the pinwheel and the shelves would rotate. That was the basic construction of the light pyramids, as they were sometimes called. Originally, the rods were intricately carved or covered with green branches and colored paper. Over time, Christmas pyramids have taken on a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Multi-storied pyramids are currently very popular in Germany and some neighboring countries. Each level holds a display of figurines such as nativity scenes, angels, mining processions, (recalling the local traditions of the Erzgebirge region) and miniature toy Christmas trees. In the Erzgebirge region, many villages compete with each other during Christmas to display the tallest and most attractive town pyramid. These pyramids are very large and are on display in the town markets. Instead of candles, they are lit with electric lights and powered by electric motors. In times past, the pyramid was a symbol of light, reflecting the whish of the miners' for a safe return home from the darkness and danger of the mines. As mining died off, some miners began woodcarving, originally a hobby after a hard day's work in the mines, as a full-time occupation. The Christmas pyramid is only one of many traditional carved objects. These wonderful creations were not originally made to satisfy customer demand, but were a genuine folk tradition. The pyramid has changed tremendously and today's multi-story pyramid is very different from the original simple rod construction first produced in the Erzgebirge. Light, the pyramid's most important and beautiful feature is still the same. Light sets the pyramid in motion and light has the same meaning for all of us as well as the people of the Erzgebirge: for more than two hundred years it has been and remains the symbol of life.