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TheRäuchermann (diminutiveRäuchermännchen[ˈʁɔʏçɐˌmɛnçən]ⓘ;Erzgebirgisch:Raachermannel) is an incense smoker,[1] the invention of toy makers in theOre Mountains, used to burn down coneincense, known asRäucherkerzchen.[2]
TheRäuchermann was first mentioned in 1850 and is now a common component in the Ore MountainChristmas tradition. For this, anincense cone is first lit and then put on the lower half of the two-part wood figurine. The hollowed-out upper part is placed over the lighted cone, which burns down inside of the hollow figurine, the smoke leaving the mouth hole of theRäuchermann. Before theRäuchermann was invented, cone incense was displayed and burnt down in the open.
During Christmas timeRäuchermänner are displayed together withSchwibbögen (candle arches),miners' figurines, angels, andChristmas pyramids.
Several kinds of figurines exist, traditionally representingcraftsmen of the region, such asforesters,peddlers,miners, andsoldiers. Today, they exist in many more forms, including the so-called "edgesitters", which can be placed on the edge of the table, small scenes of severalRäuchermänner (such as a group playingSkat), and also female Räuchermänner, calledRäucherfrauen. According to theGuinness Book of Records, the largest Räuchermann in the world is in theMiniaturenpark Kleinwelka inBautzen.
As a counterpart to theRäuchermann, artisans of the upperVogtland invented theMoosmann (orMoosmännel). He is supposed to be a smallforest spirit who helps poor families withnatural products, can change leaves to gold, and—according tofolk tales—mostly appears during Christmas time.
Media related toRäuchermännchen at Wikimedia Commons