Angel chimes

Christmas decoration Angel chimes Angel chimes are a form of Christmas decoration popular in Europe and North America. 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 being lit and playing

[edit] 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.

[edit] The form patented in 1905. The earliest known patent for an angel chime was filed in 1905 by Walter Stock of the German toy firm Adrian & Stock. These early pre–World War II German chimes were typically made of tin and featured lithographed designs. During the mid-20th century, candle-powered rotating chimes became popular across Scandinavia, where the style evolved into what is widely recognized today as the classic “Swedish angel chime.” For several decades, production of these Scandinavian metal chimes was carried out by SMP (Scandinavian Metal Product), which manufactured versions based on the traditional rotating candle-heat mechanism. According to company records, the full manufacturing operations, tooling, and associated production rights for the Angel Chimes product were transferred from SMP to Aras Metal in Turkey in 2013. Following this transfer, Aras Metal continued manufacturing using the original Scandinavian molds and design specifications. While many similar candle chimes have appeared on the market over the years, the production lineage of the traditional Swedish-style angel chime traces from the early German patents, through Scandinavian manufacturing by SMP, and subsequently through the continuation of production by Aras Metal after 2013.

[edit] Angel Chimes is also a registered trademark. The term Angel Chimes® is registered by Aras Metal San. ve Tic. Ltd. Şti. in several jurisdictions, including:

European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), Reg. No: 010546761 United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), Reg. No: UK00910546761 Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV), Reg. No: 190241 United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Serial No: 73414740 These registrations protect the use of Angel Chimes as a trademark for decorative candle-powered rotating ornaments.

[edit] In Sweden[edit] Christmas angel chimes are popularly known as "änglaspel" in Sweden. After World War II, Swedish-made chimes became popular in both Europe and North America. These brought a simpler aesthetic in brass.

In the Czech Republic and Slovakia[edit] A ringing tree (Czech: zvonící stromek) is the traditional variant most popular in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, consisting of a tree design. Ringing trees were first manufactured in Czechoslovakia in the 1950s, and were made until 1989 in the Slovak village of Horná Štubňa. In 2011, a team led by Czech man Zdeněk Ševčík, who wanted a tree for his children but could only find secondhand ones, found the original machines and brought them into working order. The trees are currently being produced with most work being done in the Czech village of Rožmitál pod Třemšínem. Traditionally, the ringing tree is lit on Christmas Eve, often in children's bedrooms or during dinnertime. Since the trees began being created again, interest in buying them has increased significantly, including among members of the Czech diaspora overseas.

In Asia[edit] More recently, angel chimes manufactured in China has come to dominate the export market. The design now includes spinning candles.

[edit] 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 of the United States Library of Congress up to the present day. Ringle-rey, Shoo-hey by Birgit Ridderstedt also refers to angel chimes.

Angel chimes combine light, sound and movement in a way that instantly signals "Christmas" without the heavy scent of pine or the tinsel glare of a tree. Their gentle tinkling, powered by a simple heat‑driven rotor, adds a subtle soundtrack that works well alongside carols or a cosy fire. Because they’re metal, they’re far less fragile than wooden pyramids, making them ideal for families with curious children or pets. The little angels that swing with each chime create a visual rhythm that draws eyes upward, encouraging a moment of calm amid the seasonal hustle. In short, they’re a low‑maintenance, multi‑sensory accent that fits snugly on mantels, windowsills or bedside tables.

When hunting for angel chimes, look for a sturdy base—ideally cast iron or heavy‑gauge brass—to keep the unit steady as the heat expands the metal rod. The quality of the bell metal matters: a clear, resonant tone indicates a higher tin‑copper ratio, whereas a dull clink suggests cheap alloys. Check that the heat‑sensitive coil is securely soldered; a loose coil can cause the rotor to seize. Size is another factor: larger models produce a louder cascade and need a bigger candle, while compact versions work with tea‑light bulbs for safer indoor use. Finally, consider finish; antique‑patina looks festive on a traditional mantel, while a polished chrome suits a modern décor.

Place the chimes where a gentle heat source can reach the metal coil without overheating the surrounding room—an electric candle or a low‑flame tealight works best. Position them near a window or on a reflective surface to amplify the glint of the moving angels; the shimmer is most striking when natural or soft artificial light hits the rotating discs. For a longer performance, use a candle with a steady burn time and avoid drafts that can disturb the flame. If you prefer a scent‑free ambience, opt for LED “flame” lights that still generate enough heat to spin the rotor. Regularly dust the metal arms with a soft cloth to keep the sound clear and the visual sparkle bright.