angel of light with yoke

The Angel with Yoke, a candlelight angel from Peter Ulbricht, is one of the most important figures of the Ore Mountains, alongside the miner.The Yoke Angel is an artfully carved angel figure made of light, finely crafted wood. It wears a long, simple white dress with delicate floral patterns along the lower hem and chest. These patterns blend harmoniously into the overall appearance and lend the figure a festive lightness. The angel stretches its arms out to the side, balancing a small red candlestick in each hand. The yoke, which gives the angel its name, is particularly striking: a curved structure lying across its head, supporting a total of six additional candlesticks. This yoke rests on a stand attached to the angels head, with two stylized, red wings, which are adorned with golden dots, visually rounding off its appearance.The yoke itself plays a central role in the design of this angel. Originally, the word yoke referred to a carrying device used by people or animals on their shoulders to balance loads. In the Erzgebirge tradition, this form is applied to angels: Here, however, the yoke does not carry water or wood, but symbolically carries light. This creates an image of care and balance, as the angel distributes the light evenly above its head.The tradition of the yoke angel dates back to the 19th century. During this time, artisans in the Erzgebirge began creating angels with the function of light-bearers. They carefully carved, painted, and decorated each figure, passing this craftsmanship down from generation to generation. Families place the yoke angel on their windowsills or tables during Advent, symbolically bringing light into the dark season.The yoke angel embodies hope, peace, and the anticipation of Christmas. It not only brings light into the home but also warmth to the heart. Collectors highly value these figurines, as they reflect both craftsmanship and deep-rooted tradition. Modern artisans continually revisit this form, preserving classic elements while carefully combining them with new designs. This ensures that the Jochengel remains a living piece of Erzgebirge culture, connecting past, present, and future.Height of angel: 18 cmHeight of angel with wings: 24 cmMatchingminerColoredMatching candles can be foundhereYou can find more pretty miner and angel chandeliers from the Erzgebirgehere.