Angel chimes, also known as angel-abra, are a form of Christmas decoration popular in Europe and North America.[1] They apparently have the same origins as the Christmas pyramid, which functions on the same principle. They differ from these, primarily, in being mass-produced from metal and might have bell-ringing angels, whereas Christmas pyramids are usually crafted from wood and do not necessarily have bells.
Angel chimes have candle holders at the base which provide heat which turns a turbine at the top, which powers a series of trumpet-holding angel figures which "fly" around in a circle, striking bells beneath them. They usually have other decorative motifs, such as the Star of Bethlehem or a creche.
The earliest known patent for an angel chime was filed by Walter Stock of the German toy firm Adrian & Stock.[2] The pre-World War II German-made chimes were usually made of tin and featured lithography.
Christmas angel chimes are popularly known as "änglaspel" in Sweden.[3] After World War II, Swedish-made chimes became popular in both Europe and North America. These brought a simpler aesthetic in brass.
More recently, angel chimes manufactured in China has come to dominate the export market. The design now includes spinning candles.
There are a number of songs written about angel chimes, which include Angel's song, the Christmas Chimes. The sheet music has been compiled at the performing arts encyclopedia[4] of the United States Library of Congress up to the present day. Ringle-rey, Shoo-hey by Birgit Ridderstedt also refers to angel chimes.
