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A German Christmas
German Advent Calendar: Fact of the Day

16. Dezember

Die Weihnachtspyramide

The German Christmas pyramid (Weihnachtspyramide) was first developed in the Erzgebirge (Erz 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 old German term "Drehturm"—revolving tower—is more descriptive.) Such pyramids today can cost as little as 10 euros or be much more expensive, depending on how elaborate they are. From the Erzgebirge region (also famous for nutcrackers), the Christmas pyramid soon spread to other parts of Germany. See the links below for more.

Web > Weihnachtspyramide - Foto
Web > German Christmas items from the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas Store

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