Christmas on Sylt

The base of the original Sylt Jöölboom is a standard broom handle. Two crosspieces and a green wreath of boxwood, periwinkle, or ivy are added. The main accessories are a couple of "popen," salt dough figures. At the base are Adam and Eve with the snake. Perched above them are a horse, a dog, and at the top, a rooster. These popen have little in common with the Sylt island musicians. 
Rather, they are a symbol of pre-Christian offerings. Treats like apples and dried fruit are placed on the wreath. The Jöölboom is rounded off with four candles, which are lit like an Advent wreath.

At the top hangs the rooster, symbolizing fertility and vigilance. Then follows the horse, representing work and strength, and the dog symbolizes loyalty to humanity. At the foot, Adam and Eve stand beneath the Tree of Knowledge, around whose trunk a serpent winds. The apples and prunes hanging from the crossbeams symbolize thanks for the good harvest and the prayer for a similar one in the following year. This is a relic from pagan times.

Sailing ships, fish, and mills are also occasionally used. They symbolize centuries of traditional seafaring and agriculture.

At the various Sylt Christmas markets and also at the Westerland weekly market, for example, you can buy a ready-made Jöölboom. 
The frame itself is also available in some supermarkets and hardware stores. And even though crafting and baking the salt dough figures may take some time, a homemade jöölboom is still the most beautiful.

2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, warm water, and 1 tablespoon oil. Add enough water to make the dough smooth and non-sticky. 
Form the figures on baking paper and bake in the oven at 3 degrees Celsius for 80 hours. Let cool and then coat with clear matte varnish.