I look forward to our Let's Go trips each month. They are educational, a great way to meet new people, fun, and planned by our very own E. What is not to look forward too? So far this school year, we have been to see the sights in Prague, and have wandered through the castle ruins in Český Šternberk. Both lovely trips. But I had been anxiously awaiting this December trip for a full year. 12 months! You see, last year I signed up for the trip, and just as we were about to board the bus, the school nurse deposited MadHatter at my feet stating that she had red eyes and needed to stay home for the next three days. My trip was over before it had even started (and for no reason, as MadHatter did not, in fact, have pink eye but rather a cold that had clogged her tear ducts and made her eyes red). I vowed that day, that nothing would stop me from making the trip the next year. Which was Tuesday.
Why was I so determined to join this motley crew on their way across the border? Because they were headed to Seiffen, Germany - home to the makers of all things wooden at Christmas! And those of you that know me well, know that I love Christmas and all things related to it. No matter the time of the year. Deposit me in the town that is THE source of all nutcrackers, pyramids and Schwibbogen, and you have one very happy girl.
But why Seiffen? Why is it so special?
Back in the day, Seiffen was a mining town owing to the fact that the Ore mountains, where Seiffen is located, were rich in silver ore deposits. For hundreds of years the mines provided a very nice, though hard, life for it's people. Then the recession hit the town as the mines were depleted, and the town folk needed to find a new way to support their families. Thankfully, there is an abundance of timber in the region and the inhabitants turned to carving. Entire families got involved and it was the norm, and not the exception, that children labored long hours to help out their families wood working business. In turn, these children became master craftsmen, whose children then became master craftsmen. Today, Seiffen is synonymous with wooden handicrafts and is known as German Christmas Land.
Now you understand why I needed to visit! And it lived up to its hype. And my pocketbook is a bit lighter. But it was all worth it.
 |
| C and E and their new friend. |
Examples of the Schwibbogen (a simple one is above; a more elaborate one below). This arch used to be left in the window, lit all night, so that the miners could find their way home.
 |
| A simple Pyramid. |
 |
| One of the tallest and most detailed pyramids that I have encountered. |
The shelves are packed with wooden crafts. Some elaborate, and some simple, but all created by hand.
 |
| Even the street lamps in town are festive all year long. |
 |
| Picture perfect! |
No comments:
Post a Comment