Räuchermann facts for kids

The Räuchermann is a special wooden figure. It's also called Räuchermännchen, which means "little incense man." These figures come from the Ore Mountains in Germany. They are used to burn cone incense, which are small, cone-shaped pieces of incense. People in the Ore Mountains have been making and using these figures for a long time.

What is a Räuchermann?

The Räuchermann was first mentioned in 1850. It quickly became a popular part of the Christmas tradition in the Ore Mountains. To use one, you first light a small incense cone. Then, you place the lit cone on the bottom half of the wooden figure. The top part of the figure is hollow. You place this hollow top part over the burning cone. As the incense burns, smoke comes out of the Räuchermann's mouth. This makes it look like the little man is smoking! Before these figures were invented, people just burned incense cones out in the open.

Different Kinds of Räuchermänner

During Christmas, Räuchermänner are often displayed with other traditional decorations. These include Schwibbögen (candle arches) and Christmas pyramids. You might also see them with miner figures and angels.

There are many different kinds of Räuchermänner. Traditionally, they look like craftsmen from the Ore Mountains. You can find figures of foresters, peddlers, miners, and soldiers. Today, there are many more fun designs. Some are "edgesitters" that can sit on the edge of a table. You can also find small scenes with several Räuchermänner, like a group playing cards. There are even female Räuchermänner, called Räucherfrauen. The biggest Räuchermann in the world is in the Miniaturenpark Kleinwelka in Bautzen. This is according to the Guinness Book of Records.

Moosmännel

The Moosmann or Moosmännel is a special figure from the upper Vogtland region. It is like a friend to the Räuchermann. The Moosmann is thought to be a small forest spirit. Folk tales say he helps poor families. He can even turn leaves into gold! This friendly spirit usually appears during Christmas time.

See also

• Wooden toymaking in the Ore Mountains
• Christmas pyramid
• Incense
• Schwibbogen
• Spanbaum

Images for kids

• 

  Räuchermännchen

• 

  As a hunter figurine