The 19th century saw the birth of many religiously inspired candle-based customs, especially in Germany. Alongside the Advent wreath, initially with 20 small red and four large white candles, the Christmas tree also became a fixture in people’s living rooms. During the Advent season, one can often see a “Schwibbogen”, a candle arch, in people’s windows after dark. It is a relic from the mining traditions of the Erzgebirge region of Saxony. A candle arch with its full complement of candles affixed to the house meant that all the workers from this house had safely returned from the mines. In medieval times, it was the custom on Christmas Eve to put a burning candle in the window in order to light the way for the Christ Child. No stranger was turned away on this night.

Many beautiful poems are dedicated to the Christmas candle. Visit our exhibition and allow yourself to be enchanted by the warm Christmassy light from old candle arches, angel-shaped candle holders, Advent houses, angel chimes and other objects. There are also colourful and unusual specimens of glass-blowers’ art and wood carvers’ crafts to be admired.