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German Christmas Pyramids
Christmas Pyramids from Germany Delight Adults and Children Alike
Remember the scene in Christmas Vacation when Cousin Eddy knocks all the fins off the spinning thing on the table? It’s a classic movie moment and the first time many people were introduced to the traditional German Christmas pyramid. Dating back to the Middle Ages in Germany, these delightful spinning Christmas decorations continue to charm all who see them, young and old.
Powered solely by candles, setting up a Christmas pyramid is fast and easy.
Don’t worry, Chevy Chase played up the fins falling off for comedy. While your pyramid will cause people to smile, it won’t be because it’s funny to watch you assemble it!
Christmas pyramids are used to decorate homes for the Christmas season. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the first pyramids were produced in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) and are believed to be the precursor of Christmas trees. The pyramids are carousels with several levels that depict different, usually Christian motifs like nativity scenes or angels.
Pyramids are generally made of wood and based on four- to eight-sided platforms, with a long pole in the middle as the axle. The heat from burning candles placed around the pyramid moves the blades, causing the tiers to slowly turn.
Proper Blade Angle and Pyramid Placement Are Necessary
Some people have a little bit of trouble getting their pyramids to spin properly. The first thing to check is whether the pyramid can spin freely at all. Give it a slight push and see if it stops rapidly. If it does, it might be out of alignment. Try moving the spinning disc until it falls into place and spins smoothly.
If your pyramid will spin easily when pushed, the problem may be with your blade angles. Make sure they are not flat or vertical. They should be inserted at around a 30° angle to the base. If the blades are properly angled, make sure the pyramid is flat and level. Be sure to put it far away from drafts. The pyramid works when warm air from the candles rises past the blades. A breeze will blow the warm air away before it can make the pyramid spin.
Lastly, remember to be patient. It takes a few seconds for the candles to generate enough heat to get the pyramid spinning.
You can try giving it a tiny push to help it start, but once it’s running, the candles alone will keep it moving. For a really fast spin, try angling the blades at 45°, just be sure not to go over 45° or it may not spin at all!
Browse for Other Great Holiday Gifts This Year
Here at German Steins, we carry a wide variety of Christmas gifts and decorations to really bring in that holiday cheer. Shop for authentic German Christmas beer steins, advent calendars and traditional German Christmas tree ornaments. Any one of our products would be a great gift for your loved ones and the perfect match for the beer lovers in your life. Start your order soon to make sure you receive it in time for the holidays!
Showcase Your German Heritage With High-Quality German Ornaments
Our selection of Christmas ornaments from Germany is intended to highlight your pride in your German heritage. We offer a wide range of traditional German wooden Christmas ornaments, German Santa ornaments, German Christmas tree ornaments and more to help you celebrate your family's German roots.
These ornaments are crafted with meticulous attention to detail by skilled artisans in Germany for the highest quality and authenticity. Hang these beautiful, handmade pieces on your tree to create a festive, Old-World ambiance and share your German cultural traditions with family and friends.
Explore our collection of German Xmas ornaments and bring the charm of a German Christmas to your home this holiday season. Whether you choose whimsical German Christmas angel ornaments, intricate German wooden ornaments or delicate German glass ornaments, each piece will add a touch of German flair to your holiday décor.
Embrace your German heritage and fill your home with the joy and nostalgia of a classic German Christmas. Shop our selection of premium German Christmas ornaments today.
See our detailed 2024 Christmas gift shopping guide for help finding the perfect Christmas gift.