Spanbaum facts for kids
A Spanbaum (say "Spahn-bowm") is a special handmade wooden tree. Its name means "wood shaving tree" in German. You might also hear it called a hand-shaved tree or wood chip tree. These beautiful little trees are often found as part of a Christmas pyramid, which is a traditional German decoration. They are mostly made in the Ore Mountains region of Saxony, which is in eastern Germany. The way they are made is called Spanbaumstechen.
What are Spanbaum Trees Made From?
Choosing the right wood is very important for making a Spanbaum. Only wood from a lime tree works well. The wood must have a very straight grain, meaning its fibers run in a clear, even line. This helps the wood shave off smoothly.
How are Spanbaum Trees Made?
Making a Spanbaum is a skilled craft. First, a piece of wood is shaped into a cone, which will become the tree. A small round piece is also made for the base. The cone-shaped wood is then held tightly in a special clamp called a vice.
Next, a craftsperson uses a sharp tool called a chisel. They carefully carve thin, curly shavings from the wood. These shavings are made symmetrically, meaning they are even on all sides. Each shaving becomes a "branch" of the tree. This process is repeated, layer by layer, until the whole tree is covered in delicate, curled branches.
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A finished spanbaum
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A Kräuselbaum, which is a type of spanbaum
