Angel and miner from the Ore Mountains: unique folk art and symbolism
Angel and miner from the Erzgebirge in large and small - colorful or natural
Angel and miner from the Erzgebirge are lovingly handcrafted for you in various Seiffen traditional workshops. The two figures form an important part of the Erzgebirge folk art and are probably the oldest motifs known from the Erzgebirge. Tradition and danger of mining in the Erzgebirge brought angel and miner together several centuries ago and even today the mostly turned works of art belong to the most popular Christmas decorations ever. The original Erzgebirge angels and miners, electric or equipped with wax candles, you will find in great variety in our online store.
Angel and miner from the Erzgebirge - What is the history of the figures?
Among the most original motifs of Erzgebirge folk art are the light figurines "angel and miner".
Both motifs in themselves, but especially their appearance as a pair, are deeply rooted in Erzgebirge customs. The significance of the motif pair of angel and miner can be directly traced from the history of the region of the Ore Mountains.
At the beginning of the 16th century, large reserves of metal ores were discovered in the Ore Mountains - especially silver ore. These mineral resources were mined in the following two centuries, i.e. underground. The work in the mines was very hard, dangerous and extremely physically demanding. For this reason, it was mostly the younger sons of the families from the Ore Mountains who worked as miners and thus secured the main part of the financial income for their families.
Erzgebirge folk art: The story of angel and miner.
Accidents were almost commonplace in the historic mining industry. In addition, work usually began before daybreak and the young men did not return home until after dark. The lack of light and the danger in the mines was the central theme among miners in the Ore Mountains at that time. The families dealt with this in a very special way: they combined their deep Christian faith with their very special craftsmanship and created light figurines that served the very everyday purpose of lighting as candle holders and showing the sons the safe way home after work. But they were also a symbol that should bring luck and protection.
What is the meaning of angel and miner of the Erzgebirge: Meaning of the Erzgebirge angel and miner figurines.
Thus the motifs angel and miner were created, which not only in the families families, but also quickly found a permanent place in the churches of the found a permanent place. The figural angels represented the protecting the protecting power of heaven, while the wooden miners were actual images of the sons of the sons who risked their lives and health in the mines day after day. These two luminous figures found a permanent place as a pair on the altar in the church and symbolically asked for God's protection.
Later the pair of light figures developed angel and miner also developed as Advent candlesticks: they represented the number of the
the number of sons and daughters in each family and were lit with candles. They were placed in the windows with candlelight in the pre-Christmas period. Still tradition in the Erzgebirge to give the daughters for Christmas angels at Christmas, while the sons get light figurines in the form of a miner. In the shape of a miner.
Thus, the angel and miner light figures are the traditional predecessors of today's Advent candlesticks.
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Angel and miner: On which side is the angel?
Angel and miner can be seen as ambassadors of the Erzgebirge in the many windows of the Erzgebirge. In some cases they still indicate the number of children in the families. Then they usually stand alone in each window. If you want to arrange the couple together, you should put the angel on the right side of the miner (on the heart side). Thus, the close connection of the couple is strengthened.
What costume wear angel and miner from the Ore Mountains?
The loving design of the angel and miner figurines is characterized by the traditional image of the couple. The robe of the angel is usually richly decorated. The white long dress can be painted with gold, red or green accents. Often the angel wears a colorful apron. A red or gold crown is often enthroned on the head. An essential part of the angel figure are the wings. They protrude ostentatiously from the back. There are models with fixed or removable wings.
Detailed design: angel and miner in their traditional costumes
The miner's costume, his habit, usually consists of a black uniform jacket and white trousers. With the finest details are painted, for example, the buttons, the belt or the shaft hat. The hat often features the symbols of mining such as the hammer, mallet and iron. The white cloth of the hat served as protection against falling rocks. Many miners have the so-called "butt leather" over their butts. This protected the miners from getting their pants dirty or broken quickly when entering the shaft. Some miners have their miner's lamp with them.
Of course, you can also get angel and miner in natural color. Here especially the grain of the wood affects the viewer.
Where can I buy angels and miners?
The region of the Ore Mountains is known for the production of the traditional figurines - and there, of course, you can buy angel and miner. Visit us in our beautiful place, there are numerous opportunities to stroll through the stores. You will see that angel and miner are created in the various workshops in always different designs, from old proven forms to the modern version of the pair as from the company KWO.
Buy Engel and Bergmann: Tradition meets modernity
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