Although the Julfest is most often attributed to the Julleuchter during the Third Reich, many items with similar traits are noted and shown in period photos and publications. Unlike the Julleuchter these pieces may have been private purchase or obtained in various ways. While I do not have a period photo of this item in use, I do find it to be an interesting item just the same and worthy of touching on.

The Julleuchter has two prominent symbols, one being the Heart symbol, the other the Hagel Rune. Both of these symbols came to the attention of Himmler from Professor Herman Wirth who believed such symbols were ancient relics from the original ancient Aryans who came to Europe from Atlantis.

Fritz Weitzel's " Die Gestaltung Der Feste Im Jahres" or "SS Famile" states " It is customary (for the SS man) to light 4 candles on the first Sunday (Advent Sunday in December), decreasing every week by 1 candle. This should point to the dying old year, which is reborn in the many candles on the Weihnacht ( Xmas ) tree even as it's last candle dies away.'' In a possible relation to these lighting of candles it later states that "every Jul-Sunday it is customary to tell one story to the children about the coming year and solstice: 1st Sunday: little red riding hood. 2nd Sunday: Snow White 3rd Sunday: Maiden Marleen 4th Sunday: Sleeping Beauty." Michael Fay

I am currently unaware of a particular candelabra that would fulfill this custom and it would be safe to assume that this particular facet of the holiday may very well have been carried out at family discretion within the standards of the SS family.

Description: Michael Fay

Photo Credits: Mr. Scratch