Candle arches

For more than 250 years, the candle arch has been an integral part of the Erzgebirge Feast of Light, which is celebrated at Christmas. It is said that blacksmith Johann Teller from Johanngeorgenstadt forged the first candlestick of this type in 1726. The phrase candle arch reminds of architectural origin: In Gothic times, an arch connecting two walls and supported by them was known as Schwebebogen (floating arch).

Its particular shape, however, goes back to a tradition developed by the miners in the Erzgebirge. On Christmas Eve, they came together to celebrate their ”Mettenschicht”, also known as ”Zechenheiligabend”. No work was done at this event, but a service was held. The miners brought their burning lamps and hung them up on a wall so as to form a half-circle, thus describing the shape of the entry to a tunnel. Today, many show-mines in the Erzgebirge invite guests to their ”Mettenschicht” on Christmas Eve.

Still today, travelling in the towns and villages of the Erzgebirge, one will see the festive shine of the candle arches in public places or in many windows. We feel sure you, too, will find your candle arch, choosing from the wide range Müller has available: whether decorated with figurines, or illuminated inside, or in the traditional arch shape, or tapered, or pointed. Do not forget to watch out for the cloud-motif which you will find in many of our candle arches and which is typical of Müller design. The same as our patented inside illumination, it is a registered design element.