Angels embody many qualities and are therefore so versatile in their appearance
Christmas angels from the Erzgebirge, music angels, baker's angels, angels with red or blue wings, colorfully painted or natural, are particularly suitable for your Advent and Christmas decorations and are always a nice souvenir for your friends and family, the not only makes collectors' hearts beat faster. Small and large wooden angels are today a special decoration object in the Advent season. Whether as an angel figure to set up, as an angel to the hanging for the Christmas tree or as an image on tablecloths and candles – Christmas angel belong to the Christmas season, like the Christmas tree and Santa Claus.
Christmas angels and their symbolism
Hardly any other figure is as radiant and pure as the angel, which has always been a symbol of a supernatural power that helps people and protects them from danger. Already in ancient imaginations dived angelic figures as heralds or saviors and also in many fairy tales they appear as a dream figure and miracle announcers. They embody the human belief in the miraculous, which in the form of heavenly beings come to earth and watch over people. This symbolism was not rarely taken up in religious writings and pictorial representations, which are used as a template for various artistic interpretations served. So also the famous Christmas angel, which is used as a small wooden figure is an integral part of the folk art from the Erzgebirge. Learn more about the fabled design and their role in the elaborate carving of the Saxon region.
Why do the wooden angels belong to Christmas?
The connection to Christmas goes to the central role of the archangel in the birth story Jesus back. The birth of the Son of God is announced to the shepherds at Bethlehem by an angel, whereupon a choir of angels sings an ancient Christian hymn. Therefore, among the wooden angels are particularly often found music-making angels with small harps or trumpets, which can be set up as a sky orchestra in the living room and are great for collecting.
Angel symbolism – an old tradition
The angelic symbolism as a mediator between heaven and earth and executor of the divine will. However, it goes far before the historical beginnings of Christianity. Already from the time of ancient Egypt depictions of winged, divine beings, the gods themselves or their helpers were found and often had a protective function. Also in the Greek and Roman Antiquity, angelic beings act as mediators between gods and humans or as personal guardian spirits. This idea was preserved and Christian, Islamic and Jewish writings are similar in this.
Even today, angels are regarded as a symbol of a supernatural power that averts danger and assists you in difficult times. In addition, they are a symbol of trust in the good and miraculous. Many believe that angels give inner peace and joy and protect over people watch. Therefore, the giving of an angel, often also as a guardian angel, is considered a sign a special friendship and appreciation.
Wooden angels in the folk art of the Erzgebirge– beginning & origin
Although Christmas angels made of wood were at the beginning of the 20th century a characteristic component of the regional art work its beginnings date back to the 15th century. Due to the large deposit of mineral resources in the Erzgebirge, mining developed into a formative characteristic of this Saxon region. Mining attracted many workers and thus led to settlement of the border region. Ultimately, as an alternative source of income for subsistence, the carving art from the Erzgebirge inspired by everyday life. Therefore, the motif of the Bergmanns, in addition, the Christian faith was of great importance. If only because of the high risk of injury in mining and the often associated loss of job as angels paid special attention to the basis of life.
This is also reflected in the historical pairing of angel (Engel) & miner (Bergmann).
Furthermore, it was a widespread custom to put the candles in the hands of a small angel figure at nightfall in order to light the miners the way home. The families of the miners hoped that the angel would let them return home by protecting them from misfortune. These and other traditions made the wood art from the Erzgebirge popular worldwide, so that this became the folk art of the region.
At the beginning of the 20th century, toy manufacturers began to use the wooden Christmas angels in of their well-known diversity.
Christmas angels of the late Gothic time from the 15th century
Another well-known angel dates back to the 15th century and was carved by the well-known carver and sculptor of the late Gothic period, Veit Stoß. However, there is no historical evidence about a connection between these first figures and the famous angels from the Erzgebirge.
Pioneers in the production of Christmas angels
Grete Wendt and Margarete Kühn, who founded the Saxon manufactory "Wendt und Kühn" in 1915, are famous for beeing pioneers in the production of wooden Christmas angels. That family business, which is now run by the fourth generation, early became well-known. Today, the angel figures of the traditional company are among the world's best-known and are characterized by characteristic features, because every collector knows the angels with green wings and white dots!
The Christmas angel production after the 2nd World War & in the GDR
During the Second World War, the production of Christmas angels was logically severely limited and almost came to a standstill. However, the lovingly designed figures were used in the post-war period for the GDR again to the export hit. Since the popularity of the handmade wooden figures went wide beyond the country's borders many wood manufactories of the Erzgebirge dared to enter into the market economy. Most companies are characterized by a unique style. Every angel figure is unique, as it is handmade and also hand-painted. Therefore, the wooden angels are particularly popular with collectors!
In addition to music-making angels, you can also buy seated, hanging or lying angels that hold small gifts, candles or lanterns in their hands. To this in the Christmas season especially nice to arrange, there are all sorts of accessories, such as small lanterns, houses and cribs. This can be built together with the Christmas angels on specially made angel clouds, so that everything finds its place.
Christmas angels from the Erzgebirge at Nestler Seiffen
In order to offer you the greatest possible selection, you will of course find the products of many well-known manufacturers of traditional folk art from the Erzgebirge. In addition to the popular Christmas angels, we also have original angels & miners from the Erzgebirge in our assortment. These spread a Christmas mood in every room and convince with a long-standing tradition. Browse through our online shop and discover many great products in first-class quality!
