The Moravian Putz

A cherished tradition for young and old, the Putz (from the German word putzen, meaning, "to decorate") retells the wonderful story of Christ's birth in miniature, using rocks, moss, lighting, and small figurines. Many Moravian churches create a Putz for members and visitors to enjoy during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Unity creates a small Putz each year, which is displayed in the church narthex.

 

Candle Tea
The Candle Tea is a special arts and crafts fair started by early Moravians. The hostesses for the Tea are dressed in costumes patterned on a style followed by the Moravian women of the mid-1700's. The ribbons worn in the small white cap reveal the wearer's status: blue ribbons being worn by married women pink by unmarried girls and women, red by little girls, and white by widows. Many Moravian traditions are on display for Candle Teas: hostesses serve sugar cake and Moravian lovefeast coffee, others demonstrate the making of beeswax candles, the art of tin-making and star-making, and often visitors are invited to view a Moravian Putz. Several Moravian churches today host Candle Teas during the first weeks of December.

According to legend, Moravian Stars originated as a geometry project for boys at a Moravian boarding school in Niesky, Germany, about 1850. Now used in Moravian homes and churches throughout the world, the Star proclaims the hope of Advent. On Christmas Eve, and on the day of our Lord’s birth, the Star takes on added significance, for then it becomes a symbol of Christ the Lord most glorious, Christ, the light of the world. Stars are displayed beginning the first Sunday in Advent through Epiphany (January 6).

 

The first Moravian Lovefeast was served in Germany on August 13, 1727, following the Renewal of the Moravian Church. Lovefeast is styled after the common meal partaken in love and fellowship by the early Church (as described in the Book of Acts). The first lovefeast in North Carolina was held on the evening of the arrival of the Moravians at Bethabara in 1753. Warm mugs of sweetened coffee, prepared in the Moravian tradition, and authentic Moravian buns are served to the congregation. Seasonal music and Christmas carols set a festive tone while the congregation enjoys the "feast." The candlelight portion of the service, now adopted in one form or another by many Christian denominations, began as a Moravian children's service. Handmade beeswax candles decorated with a red paper frill are distributed to each worshiper. The beeswax candles have been variously described as symbolizing the purity of Christ and the sacrifice of Christ as the light of the world. The candles are lit while the worship space is darkened except for a large illuminated Moravian Advent Star. Often led by a child, worshippers sing the antiphonal hymn, Morning Star, O Cheering Sight. In some congregations, after the last hymn, the worshipers carry their lighted candles out into the dark world.

• Beeswax Candle Description - Moravian Church in America
• Great pics of Candle Trimming

Book: Moravian Christmas in the South