16. Dezember • Die Weihnachtspyramide

Advent Calendar > 16 December

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The German Christmas pyramid (Weihnachtspyramide) was first developed in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) in the German state of Saxony (Sachsen) as a low-cost substitute for a real Christmas tree in the late 1700s. A traditional pyramid is made of wood and may have two to five levels (Etagen). The heat from burning candles turns a windmill-like rotor at the top of the pyramid, making the pyramid revolve and ring its chimes. (The older German word Drehturm—revolving tower—is more descriptive.) Such pyramids today can cost as little as 10 or more than 300 euros, depending on how elaborate they are. From the Erzgebirge region (also famous for nutcrackers), the Christmas pyramid soon spread to other parts of Germany. Some German Christmas markets feature giant recreations of a Christmas pyramid. - See the photo on the main Advent Calendar page and the links below for more.

WEB > Christmas pyramid - Wikipedia
WEB > Weihnachtspyramide - Wikipedia (Deutsch)
WEB > Käthe Wohlfahrt - German Christmas items from this German Christmas store

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