In the course of five millennia, fragrant incense, much like gold, spices and jewels, has typically been one of the most cherished treasures that were bestowed upon royalty and noblemen. Incense has additionally been directly connected with religious beliefs throughout history. In actual fact, the scriptures describes the 3 Magi providing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The utilization of fragrant incense is alive and well in a lot of German celebrations. Continuing a time-honored German custom, January 6th signifies the arrival of the Heilige Drei Konig or Three Wise Men celebration. The celebration of the 3 Wise Men is a state holiday in a number areas in Germany.

The Raunachte is an important time of the year. It begins on Christmas Day evening and lasts until January 6th. This covers 12 nights, the last 6 nights of the old year and the beginning six of the new. Ancient beliefs and customs have developed involving these 12 nights. In keeping with German beliefs, the wild huntsman Odin is believed to travel over the air through these long winter nights, scaring every one who runs into him while he travels. Odin isn't the only one to be on the prowl during these nights, Frau Holle, Odin's wife, is believed to be at the same time.

It could be that the most dreaded of all things moving in the night is Berchta. She is named as the goddess of winter. She is apparently wanders the country side and enters dwellings on 12th Night. She would understand whether or not young children and younger laborers had toiled diligently throughout the past year. They might be treated with a small silver coin if they had performed their assignments efficiently. Otherwise, it was said that she might carve their bellies open and fill the opening with straw, sticks or stones. Berchta was mainly engaged in seeing that young girls had spun their complete measure of flax and wool during the year.

Religion mixed with superstition resulted in individuals that were convinced that the evil spirits of the Raunaechte (longest nights in the year) could be compelled to depart by loud sounds and bright lights. As soon as these wicked spirits had been driven from the dwelling, the villagers would use incense to bless the home. Folks would bear incense to every single room within the home during Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve or the feast of Epiphany in hopes of driving off all traces of the evil spirits. From these stories came the great importance of the use of incense among German people. During this period, incense was usually burned in the open, but it would not take long until this practice was altered.

After the 30 year war came to an end, the beliefs of medieval religious leaders and ordinary folk were coupled to contribute to new ways for burning incense. Rauchermann, or smoking men figurines, had been born. Smoking men are classic hand made wood items that started in the Miriquidi Forest, which is now called the Erzgebirge Mountains (Ore Mountains).

Many years in the past the hillside of the Erzgebirge Mountains used to be burrowed through in search of minerals and precious metals. The individuals that normally would work in the mines for the duration of the working day were likely to be found creating wood toy figurines during the night time. Eventually, when locating precious metal from the mountains began to become scarce, which triggered the shutting down of excavations, a large number of the original miners evolved into full time wooden toy makers.

Smoking men and nutcrackers were pieces the miners crafted, and in most cases looked like miniature versions of folks that lived or worked in the community, like mailmen, anglers, policemen and even the town people themselves.

One of Germany's most renowned crafting families is the Steinbach family, which has been producing German folk art for 5 generations, has mastered the production of creating smoking men and nutcrackers. Every single one of their smokers represent a particular German persona in fine detail. Each one has a individuality of its own. Steinbach and their smokers are known all over the world for their superior craftsmanship, know-how and giving attention to detail.

Smokers have developed into a favorite part of yuletide celebrations over time. Many people now use Steinbach nutcrackers and smoking men to enhance their homes throughout the holiday season. When you next notice a Steinbach smoker, pay it a careful inspection. You might discover quite a few distinctive features you never realized before.