The name Schwibbogen originates from the German word "Schwebebogen" which means floating arch. The tradition of candle arches goes back to the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) region in Saxony, Germany. Miners of the 18th century used to hang their pit lamps on a wall in the shape of a horseshoe during the last shift before Christmas. Today the light arches display various religious, nature and country scenes and are illuminated by small light fittings or strings of mini-lights.