This week we have another themed MMC. Obviously the theme is Christmas. Because of my last trip, I have a lot of Christmas related images in my archive.
In this image you can find a few very typical Christmas decorations. The Christmas tree, a candle pyramid, a Schwibbogen, the miner and the angle.
The region of Erzgebirge has a very, very long mining history. The two figurines are very typical here. They were the first parts miners nicked out of wood during winter, when they were bored because it was impossible to work in the mines. The man symbolises the miner himself and the angle is his wife. Today, they are known in that particular dressing originating from the 18th century. Once you were able to find these in every window. One miner and one angel for the parents and for each boy child a smaller miner and for each girl a small angel.
The Schwibbogen (the wooden bow above the two figurines) symbolises the entrance of the mine. The origin of this symbol is also the Erzgebirge.
The candle pyramid is very common in Germany, but I don’t know much about the origin. so, I have to find out for one of my nest posts 🙂
Finally the Christmas tree. This tree was invented as a symbol for the eternal life because he is green even in winter. According to wikipedia the oldest official document mentioning a Christmas tree, is from 1527 in Mainz, a city in the middle of Germany. The bowls symbolise the fruits in the garden of Eden. The candles symbolise, “the light (Jesus Christ) will come back”. The other parts of the tree decorations symbolise the gifts brought by the there Magi.
This is my contribution to Monochrome Madness organized by Leanne Cole. Look at here site on Thursday (Australian time), to see many more monochrome images created by many other talented photographers from all over the world.
I’d also encourage you to participate. The conditions are published in each of here Monochrome Madness posts.
Take care!
MyBlog - solaner 