In the heart of Switzerland, where tradition and innovation dance in the crisp winter air, the Christmas tree becomes more than just a festive decoration; it’s a spectacle of light and history. Imagine a tree, freshly cut to ensure its branches are lush and green, standing in a town square, church, or a cozy living room.
Lighting Christmas candles in a church in Switzerland.
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) December 27, 2024
The tree doesn’t catch fire because the Christmas tree is not dry enough to be set ablaze. pic.twitter.com/QV2qqvL07Q
The video captures the moments where each candle on the tree is connected by a slender fuse, known as “Zündgarn.” (This translates to “ignition yarn” or “fuse yarn” in English, and is a specially designed fuse used to light candles on a Christmas tree sequentially without allowing enough time for the tree to catch fire.)
This fuse, specifically designed for speed and safety, burns down quickly, lighting each candle in a mesmerizing sequence. The posts often question how this could possibly work without the tree catching fire. The answer lies in the meticulous preparation: the tree must be extremely fresh, reducing flammability. The trees are sometimes treated with fire retardants to enhance safety, ensuring that the branches don’t catch fire even with the proximity of open flames.
The process, as demonstrated in the video, involves a special kind of fuse that burns so rapidly that the heat doesn’t linger long enough to ignite the tree. This method not only ensures safety but also adds a dramatic flair to the lighting ceremony, where one by one, candles flicker to life, transforming the tree into a glowing beacon of holiday cheer.
This practice not only harks back to a time before electric lights but also brings a sense of magic and continuity to the holiday season, where the warmth of candlelight tells a story of community, heritage, and the festive spirit.