Schwiboggen: Authentic German Candle Arches
A Schwiboggen is very well known decorative candleholder originating from the Saxony state in the Ore Mountains region in Germany. The name “Schwibbogen” is recorded to have originated from the architectural features it consists of which is the suspension arch that actually acts like a supporting arch between two walls.
In 1740 in Johanngeorgenstadt, the first metal Schwiboggen was made in the year 1726. Black ore was always present in the early candle arches built. They were usually made of one single forged piece which could be painted too. Usually, we find that the number of candles varies with the size of the arch, and the original one consists of 11.
Paula Jordan in the year 1937 created the most famous design for a show in Schwarzenberg. Three primary sources of income of the people in the region during the 18th and 19th century was depicted in it. Thus, we see that the Schwiboggen is showing some traditional symbols like two miners, one bobbin lace maker, and one wood carver along with an angel, a Christmas tree, two crossed swords, and two miner’s hammers. The design holds seven candles.
On Christmas Eve “Mettenschicht” who are the traditional miners were assigned during the last work shift. During this time, the miners hung the lanterns used by them on the wall in the shape of a horseshoe. Entrance to the mine was symbolized in this way. The inspiration behind Schwibbogen is believed to be this custom.
Then the miners started carving arches out of the wood for their homes and began placing domestic figures underneath them and hence the first Schwibbogen was created. Even though the styling along with detailing work of these artistic works has advanced through the years, the Schwibbogen we find today is very similar to the earlier models which generate the same dazzling effects like that during the miners’ day.
As per the popular belief, the candle stand has always been associated with Christmas. Wherein the light symbolizes the miner’s longing who couldn’t see the daylight during winters for weeks, and also long working hours under the surface. We find the designs have changed over time. Significantly after the Second World War, the Schwiboggen changed its looks and reached a new popularity level. Nowadays, it is typically of wood and usually depicts historical or religious scenes. Sometimes you will find landscapes, advertisements, and even landscapes as there are no limits to possibilities.
The first Schwibbogen or the candle arches manufactured in the year 1726 were made from wrought iron. The name basically means a kind of arch which is constructed in gothic times and this arch between the two walls called as Schwibbogen was a kind of floating arch. Since then, this candle has been in demand all over the globe.
You will find during Christmas season, windows throughout the Saxony district of Germany lit with the soft and sweet lights of the Schwibbogen, the Christmas arches. The Schwibbogen is associated to Christmas every year because that was the time when all the hard and dangerous work in the mine came to rest. Wives used to put up Schwibbogen inside their cottages and used to light the candles and were used to welcome their husbands home after a long, tiring and hard day at the mines. It is said that the twinkling lights of the candles used to guide the miners as they trudged through the snow and darkness. It welcomes them to warmth and security of their sweet homes and families safely.
Also during the Christmas season, the Schwibbogenare is set up even in the public squares and churches in the Erzgebirge. Besides various home craftsmen began to work with wood to make it because of the natural beauty and warmth it would radiate. Soon the making of Schwibbogen became an important way of earning some income throughout the region of Erzgebirge. Initially, the Schwibbogen were carved in homes and usually decorated with beautiful candles. Nowadays you will find the candles getting replaced with tiny beautiful electric lights.
Doppelschwibbögen (Double Arches)
You will see that over the years the beautiful Schwibbogen has undergone a lot of changes in terms of shapes and sizes. They have been designed with exquisitely carved designs and figures, and this beauty is enhanced with small electric lights and candles. Also, a recent development that has been observed in this is the creation of the Doppelschwibbögen or double arches. With the help of indirect electric lighting, the silhouette of the design shows in the foreground along with a fascinating play of light.
Make sure you enhance this Christmas season by getting yourself a Schwibbogen. A Schwibbogen will surely light your home with all the joy and warmth of the Christmas season. So, go ahead and get yourself one this Christmas.