Hunkel Christmas Pyramid
Among the varied customs that Milwaukee’s German immigrants brought the city, none may be rooted in as much tradition as the Christmas pyramid. Given to the Historical Society in the 1960’s, for years it was a fixture in holiday exhibitions at the museum. The pyramid is a wood, multi-teared decoration, with a multicolored wheel at the top that turns from the heat of candles that are positions on side supports. Each tier is decorated with figurines of humans and animals, in celebratory poses. While these pyramids were more prevalent in Germany since 1830, use of cheaper oils and lighting devices have caused them to become more common in America in the last century.
