Lametta: The Beautiful Invention of Nuremberg
Lametta is a decorative material that is mainly used in decorating Christmas trees. Lametta is a long narrow strip/s that appears like an icicle. When put on a Christmas tree, Lametta gives the tree a magical, shimmering effect in the dark.
History
Nuremberg, the city that first introduced the world to Lametta, is mentioned in a documentary in 1050 as an imperial castle. In the next five centuries, the city became a strategic location due to the presence of trade routes. The Nuremberg Castle often hosted the Imperial Diet, thereby getting renowned as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. In the 15th and the 16th century, Nuremberg became the center of the German Renaissance.
Lametta: The Magical Invention of Nuremberg
First invented in Nuremberg in the year 1610, Lametta (also known as Tinsel) was originally made from strands of silver. The intention behind using Lametta on Christmas trees was to enhance the flickering of the candles on it.
Lametta became all the more popular among the German masses during the 1950s. However, Lametta made out of silver would tarnish soon. Hence, during this period, lead replaced silver as the primary material used for the production of Lametta. Lead tinsel posed a risk of lead poisoning in children during Christmas. These days, Lametta is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) with a coat of metallic finish. The only downside to Lametta made up of plastic is that being light materials, they do not dangle so well as heavy materials such as lead.
The purpose of using Lametta in a Christmas tree is to make it look like a starry night. When candles on and around the Christmas tree sparkle in darkness, the shine of Lametta dominates the surrounding, filling it with a peaceful, magical aura that only a few can resist falling for.
The word ‘Lametta’ is also used figuratively for a row of Military awards and decorations in Germany. In India, tinsel has an entirely different usage. It is used to decorate images, to make garlands for weddings and other rituals, as well as to make ornaments for Elephants and horses.
Lametta gives a beautiful, aesthetic look to all of the objects it is hung upon. But, most people who initially used heavy metal tinsel for decoration are of the opinion that Lametta made of plastic cannot be compared to the original charm of silver tinsel, that would shine through and through and would stay better on a certain object, despite the issues of tarnishing.
Whatever the opinion may be, Lametta is still well known among admirers of beautiful Christmas tree, and many families still make use of Lametta during Christmas, just as their ancestors did.
Travelling in the city:
A city that has witnessed years and years of bloody politics with a wave of freedom struggle is the best place to explore the footprints of the glorious past and trace them to reach the beautiful present.
Filled with rich architectural wonders, Nuremberg is a sight to behold. A walk around the city will make your jaw drop in awe. With the presence of visitors all year round, there is no day and no place in Nuremberg that may seem dull to you.
Perhaps, the best side of Nuremberg comes to view in full glory during the Christkindlesmarkt. A market filled with Christmas gifts, sumptuous beer and loads of friendly faces to mingle with is undoubtedly the best place to have a great time with your kith and kin. A visit to the bars or cafes in the city is one thing you will never regret.
You can also explore the city and while doing so, discover hidden gems in various lanes making their way in Nuremberg. The city is a historical and a cultural delight.
Why visit?
Nuremberg is a mix of historical past and cultural present. The avid history fan in you will heave a sigh of satisfaction once you have toured around the city. The social persona inside you will be the happiest when you interact with the locals or other tourists in a bar while sipping the well known German Beer.
During Christmas, the city becomes luminous with colorful lights encompassing the ambiance around you. A visit to Christkindlesmarkt will leave you in surprise as no matter how much you explore it; it will never be enough.
With beautiful architecture preserved or rebuilt by the citizens themselves as a sign of infinite human spirit, a beautiful Christmas Market, and friendly locals to make your traveling even easier, Nuremberg, according to one of its mayor is really, “Most German of German cities.”
Major Attractions
The city is filled with architecture that offers not only visual but also an intellectual delight. The way that leads to The Germanisches National Museum includes an enormous outdoor sculpture on Human Rights. Consisting of 30 pillars, 8 meters high, one article of UDHR is engraved in German as well as another language.
The Germanisches National Museum houses the world’s oldest surviving globe. Martin Beheim designed it in the year 1492. Every country of the globe has a number of astonishing facts written on it. For instance, the King of Ceylon had the largest ruby of the world in his possession, and yet the citizens of Ceylon roamed around everywhere naked.
If you want to carry memories in your bag on the return trip to your home for your loved ones, do not forget to visit Handwerkerhof- a courtyard that has beautiful gifts and souvenirs for sale. From cute little dolls to the toy version of modern aircraft to handmade coconut cookies- this place has something for people of all ages and interests.
Dive into the terrifying history of the city by visiting the Nazi Documentation Centre. The unfinished Congress Hall is home to the Documentation Centre, which showcases the history of the Nazi Party Rallies whose main goal was to achieve ‘Perfect National Community.’ A look at ‘Fascination and Terror’ that talks about the dire consequences of Hitler’s overambitious and harmful policies, Black and White films displaying the rise of the Nazi cult will leave you with an eerie feeling in your heart.
Nuremberg is a beautiful city with wonderful inventions, such as Lametta. Who would not want to visit an enchanting place such as this?