Hinab, die Glocke ruft

In most mining towns, a mountain bell rings at five o'clock in the morning. Connoisseurs of mining know that the bell used to ring to wake people up and to start work. But it was not only a time signal, it was also a call to prayer. Anyone who wants to explore mining traditions will very quickly come across the roots of Erzgebirge piety, which can be found not least in the miners' devotions. In 'Hinab, die Glocke ruft' (Down, the Bell Calls), several richly illustrated chapters report above all on this historically evolved custom of the Erzgebirge miners. The period covered ranges from the 16th century to the present day.