What is the significance of the Christmas candle bridge?

There seems to be some debate over its origin. Some say it is a variation of the Jewish Menorah, others say that it originates from the Schwibbogen, from Saxony, which were candle bridges placed in Windows to guide and welcome home the mine-workers and other winter travellers on the dark winter nights in the eighteenth century. Or it could be a combination of the two, or something else altogether.