GVAI's Holiday Blog Special 21

December 21

What's a Schwibbogen?

Have you ever heard about a Schwibbogen? Ask a person in Germany and everybody will know. Of course. There is no real translation for this decorative candle-holder. It originated in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains), a part of Saxony in Germany. The first Schwibbogen was found in 1740. It is an expression of the miners' wish to see the light during their longs shifts underground. The bow represents the entrance to the mine and the light the lamps that where hung on the wall in the mine. 

Often Schwibbögen (Plural of Schwibbogen) show mining and craftsmen themes: miners, carvers, hammers, lights, later also symbols of the Nativity and the Holiday season in general. 

This is the huge Schwibbogen of the Striezelmarket in Dresden. It is over 6 meter long and people can walk on it to enjoy the view over the Christmas market.