Candle arches from the Erzgebirge as a Christmas symbol of Erzgebirge folk art
A „Schwibbogen“ is a candle arch or light arch made of wood from the Erzgebirge. Candle arches are an important part of the folk art from the Erzgebirge. Candle arches from the Erzgebirge have a long tradition and their origin in this region of Germany. The illuminated arches of lights, which were placed in the windows many centuries ago, showed the miners the way home in the dark. Today, the candle arch, also known as the arch of lights, have long since become a Christmas symbol and are an integral part of every window decoration at Christmas time. The candle arches are available from us in different sizes as well as electrically, with LED or naturally illuminated according to your choice. We are also happy to make you special shapes, just let us know your wishes and we will take care of your own personal Christmas magic.
We produce candle arches with whole landscapes and handmade figures from the Erzgebirge, which are made in loving carving. Typical building replicas can be seen, Christian motifs from the Christmas story or forest and animal figures, as well as the famous church of the village Seiffen in the Erzgebirge, known for its folk art.
this is what our shop for candle arches offers
candle arches from the Erzgebirge with:
• normal lighting (usually corrugated candles, small shaft candles or pointed candles)
• LED lighting as strip or LED candle, Lumix
• wax candle lighting
• lighting with tea lights
• indirect lighting or interior lighting
Furthermore: Fast delivery and good personal advice! All candle arches are excellently packed!
candle arches from the Erzgebirge – history and significance
The candle arch has been illuminating the windows in the Erzgebirge at Christmas time for more than 250 years and is thus an integral part of the folk art from the Erzgebirge. Its name is derived from its form, which is also reflected in architecture: A candle arch or floating arch refers to a horizontal, free-standing arch between two parts of the wall. The arch is walled in such a way that a straight end results at the top. The arches are used for the statics and support of walls and can span entire streets.
The first candle arch from the Erzgebirge was built in Johanngeorgenstadt. According to tradition, the mountain blacksmith Johann Teller is said to have made the first wrought-iron candlestick of this kind around 1726.
In contrast to the architectural form, the arch shape of the candle arch from the Erzgebirge can be traced back to the mining tradition: On the "Zechenheiligabend", the miners hung their lit mine lamps on the wall in a semi-circle like the mouth hole of the tunnel for the last shift before Christmas. This custom, the so-called "Mettenschicht", is now used in to admire many show mines of the Erzgebirge again and to experience this live. Since in some earlier candle arches but also suns, moons and stars were depicted, it can be assumed that the 
celestial arch could also have played a role in the symbolization.
If you drive through the Erzgebirge during the Christmas season, you will encounter the festive splendour of the candle arches in almost every window as well as in oversized form on market squares of towns and villages.
No matter whether you prefer candle arches from the Erzgebirge with whole landscapes and handmade figures, with typical building replicas, with Christian motifs from the Christmas story or with forest and animal figures - with us you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for. The candle arches made of loving carving are in different sizes and optionally electrically, with LED or naturally illuminated.
history of the light arch from the Erzgebirge
In addition to the first dated candle arch from 1726 (Schwibbogen, former spelling also Schwippbogen), various other candle arches from the 18th century were also found in the area around Johanngeorgenstadt. A candle arch from 1778 can still be found today in 
Johanngeorgenstadt representing the motifs of the three sources of income of the people from the Erzgebirge at that time – the mining, the carving and lacemaking. It is assumed that this candle arch was also made by the blacksmith Johann Teller. For all candle arches found, the number of candles was different, but always odd. Consequently, exactly one candle was always positioned in the middle of the candle arch.
Even though most candle arches are made of wood today, they were often made of metal until the beginning of the 20th century.
The candle arch from the Erzgebirge owes its current fame to the "Feierobnd“ exhibition in Schwarzenberg in 1937, which was initiated by 
the industrialist Friedrich Emil Krauß from Schwarzenberg. As an advertising symbol, something typical from the western Erzgebirge was sought and so the candle arch of the miners of Johanngeorgenstadt was chosen. According to a new design by Paula Jordan, the master blacksmiths Max Adler and Curt Teller produced a large candle arch (approx. 7 x 4 m). For the exhibition of Schwarzenberg, a large light arch with the dimensions seven by four meters was made, which was gold-plated and provided with gas lights. This exhibition was a great success for the light arch. It then spread quickly throughout the Erzgebirge at Christmas and thus became a kind of symbol for the region.
significance of the Christmas arches from the Erzgebirge
The candle arch or arch of lights was initially an expression of the longing for light. Due to their long labour services underground, the 
miners saw hardly any daylight, especially in the winter time. The earlier candle arches therefore often depicted everyday scenes from mining life. Nowadays, however, the Christian Christmas story as well as the forest with its animals and the homeland are often depicted in motifs. The lighting is usually electric, optionally with LEDs or originally with wax candles. Some models also have indirect lighting. In terms of price, Original Erzgebirge candle arches differ depending on the size, the level of detail and the wood used.
The most popular motif is the candle arch „village of Seiffen“ (Seiffener Dorf) in various designs.
The candle arch is also subject to the change of time. So you will also find modern candle arches with puristic equipment or light arches 3D, which impress with special sawing. Most of the candle arches come from Seiffen.
candle arches from the Erzgebirge
Nowadays, many different folk art workshops of the Erzgebirge produce candle arches and light arches. If you are in Seiffen, take a look at our candle arch factory outlet Nestler and buy your candle arch from the Erzgebirge directly from the manufacturer in Seiffen. Of course, you can buy all candle arches by SEIFFEN.COM by Nestler from our factory outlet also on www.seiffen.com.
So you will find all different models from manufacturers such as Richard Glässer, Müller Kleinkunst, Albin Preißler, Knuth Neuber, Christian Ulbricht, KWO Kunstgewerbe-Werkstätten Olbernhau, or Seiffener Volkskunst eG and of course the candle arches of us „Nestler-Seiffen“ as an independent manufacturer. We will be happy to advise you further.
> To help you with questions, the most frequently asked questions are now briefly answered:
When to put a candle arch in the window?
Every year in the pre-Christmas period shortly before the 1st Advent Schwibbögen decorate the windows in the Erzgebirge. Since it is one of the most traditional Christmas decorations, the light arches also decorate homes and increasingly also outside. Just in time for the 1st Advent, the real candles or electric candles then shine and bring a homey atmosphere into every home. However, there are also candle arches that shine all year round. The artisans of the Ore Mountains increasingly offer candlestick arches, among other things, with city views, fairy tale decorations or individual equipment, which do not necessarily remind of Christmas.
When do you put away the candle arch?
This question cannot be answered unambiguously. In the past, it was often the case in the Erzgebirge that a candle arch could only remain standing until January 6 (Epiphany), but the date of Candlemas is becoming more and more common. This is February 2 and the last Christian feast in the Christmas season. It stands for the new beginning and at the latest then it is time to pack up the Christmas decorations again.
Why is a candle arch often placed at the window?
The candle arch is closely associated with mining. For the miners, it was often dark all day in the winter months, whether underground or in the morning and evening. All the more they were happy to be accompanied by the light of the candle arches at the windows on their way home. This also applies to the traditional Erzgebirge figures of angels and miners.
How and where can I best display my candle arch & illuminated arch?
If you want to make your Christmas spirit visible to the outside world, place your candle arch in the window. With a candle arch elevation, a candle arch bench, you present your piece of jewelry ideally. This will put your arch in the best possible light. You can find candle arch elevations in various widths and types of wood in our online store under the heading candle arch bench.
What is the significance of the candle arch & candle arch for the Erzgebirge region?
The candle arch has a deep cultural and emotional significance for the Erzgebirge region. It is far more than just a pretty Christmas light - it is a symbol of the history, identity and tradition of the region and represents the longing for light. The lights in the arch symbolize hope, security and the light of life. The candle arch stands for the artistic woodwork that has been perfected over generations in the Erzgebirge. It is an identity-forming element that demonstrates the skill, creativity and attention to detail of the region. The candle arch is an integral part of many windows in the Erzgebirge villages during the Advent season - visible to the outside world as a sign of tradition and pride. It creates a contemplative, warm atmosphere and is a reminder of shared values and cohesion - a shining symbol of home, tradition and hope.
What is the difference between a candle arch and a illuminated arch?
The terms candle arch and candle arch are often used interchangeably in common parlance, but there are subtle differences - especially in their origin and meaning: candle arch is the traditional, culturally rooted term from the Ore Mountains. The candle arch has its origins in the Ore Mountains. The first candle arches were made of metal (18th century) and symbolized the arch in the sky and the miners' longing for daylight. Today they are often made of wood, but traditionally they are also made of metal. Popular motifs are: Mining, Christmas, home, church, forest animals etc., which are often elaborately carved, decorated or laser-cut. It is traditionally illuminated with candles or small electric lights. Candle arch is a more neutral, often modern term for the same object. It is a general term for illuminated arches, often as a modern or internationally understood term for candle arches.
What is a Light tip/Light top?
A candle top is a traditional light object from the Ore Mountains - similar to a candle arch, but in a triangular or pointed shape. It is part of the classic Erzgebirge Christmas decorations and is mainly found on window sills and sideboards. Like the candle arch, the candle lace symbolizes light, hope and a festive atmosphere in the dark season. The pointed shape can be interpreted as a reference to the divine or the pursuit of light. The lace of lights is a stylish and traditional addition to Christmas decorations from the Ore Mountains. It combines artistic craftsmanship with symbolic expressiveness - ideal for lovers of genuine folk art.
How many candles belong on a candle arch?
If you look at Erzgebirge light arches today, the number of lights is very different, with seven, nine, ten, eleven and twelve or more lights they are equipped. In the past, the number of lights was associated with a meaning. Thus, seven candles were the symbol of the days of creation. Eleven candles symbolized the disciples of Jesus Christ, leaving out the twelfth disciple (Judas). The most famous "Schwarzenberg candle arch" is equipped with nine candles. An odd number is often found, as this makes it easier to distribute the candles, whether real or electric.
Which wood is used for the candle arch?
Candle arches from the Erzgebirge are made from natural wood from the region. Here, too, it is a question of taste. A softer wood such as birch or poplar should be used for the arch, as it is easy to bend. The base shape is often made from beech, the wood is strong and easy to smooth. Plywood has proven itself for fretwork.
Can the candle arch also be set up outside?
Special candle arches can also be used outdoors. Outdoor candle arches must be made of suitable materials such as metal, plastic or specially painted wood and the electrics must be splash-proof. Our arches do not have these properties, but they do conjure up a unique Christmas atmosphere indoors.
Can the candle arch use of in the USA / North America / Japan with 110 V?
Candle arches can be operated with a voltage of 230 V as well as 110 V. A plug adapter is supplied for connecting candle arches and candle arches abroad (Japan/USA). The number of volts of the light sources is also adapted (19 V or 12 V).
Can you convert a candle arch to LED lighting?
Saving energy has become more important. Therefore it is quite easy to convert your candle arch with LED candles. Simply unscrew the old candles old candles and replace them with LED candles. But be careful! all candles must be replaced at once, otherwise it will not work. Please also note that some special candle arches with interior lighting (church, houses, lanterns) cannot be converted. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
My candle arch does not light up - what can I do?
To save yourself an expensive repair, you should first check very simple things. First of all, make sure that the candle arch is connected to a working outlet. Just try another electrical appliance on that outlet. The light bulbs may also be loose in the socket due to transportation or long storage, so re-torque all the candles. Also, you can look directly by visual inspection to see if the filament is still intact. If there is a fault, replace the electric candle. With a spare candle, you can also check each candle by unscrewing and screwing them in one by one. Please note that several candles may also be damaged, so it will take several attempts.
If the entire candle arch with cottage, church, etc. does not light, the transformer may be defective, a cable break or the luster terminal has no contact with the wiring. In this case, have your candle arch repaired by a specialist. We are happy to help you.
Where can I have my candle arch repaired?
As a qualified manufacturer of candle arches, you are welcome to have your arch repaired at our premises. In order to be able to estimate the cost beforehand, it is essential that you send us photos of your ornament by email. The defect should be described as precisely as possible. We will then get in touch with you as soon as possible. Please note that in the pre-Christmas months from September onwards, it is difficult to carry out repairs due to the increased order volume. Of course, you are also welcome to visit us in person with your candle arch.
