The History of Christmas Ornaments

History of Ornaments

In A.D. 336, an early Roman calendar first mentions December 25 as the date of Jesus' birth. This date was likely influenced by the year-end pagan festivals to celebrate the harvest. Celebrations included specially prepared meals, decorating of homes, gift-giving and singing. Gradually, pagan traditions became a part of the Christian celebrations. Most Christmas traditions such as the Christmas tree and ornaments came from central Europe. The earliest German Christmas trees were decorated with food; apples, onions, pears, nuts, candies, and fruits were placed on a tree.

In the 1800s, glass ornaments were first made in the Lauscha, Germany. This cottage industry involved the entire family. Generally, men did the glassblowing, women did the silvering and the children helped to paint and finish them. These beautiful new glass ornaments began to replace edible decorations.

In Victorian times, Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, a German, brought the tradition from Germany to his new home in England. Soon all of England was in on it.

In the 1840s, Europeans immigrating to North America brought with them their Christmas traditions. Prior to that time, Christmas was not widely celebrated in North America. As society became more prosperous, ornaments became larger in size and the colors become more vibrant to reflect the new wealth.

F.W. Woolworth was the first North American retailer to sell glass ornaments. The story goes that he was not too sure about this new product line. However, Woolworth changed his mind by 1890 when he was selling $25 million worth of ornaments in his five-and-dime stores.

Until 1925, virtually all hand blown glass ornaments were manufactured in Lauscha, Germany. By 1935, more then 250 million Christmas ornaments were being imported to the United States. After WWII, the Lauscha area became a part of East Germany. Many glassblowers fled to West Germany and the industry declined. Around this time, Japan and Czechoslovakia began producing ornaments for the North American market

In the 1960's, glass ornaments went out of fashion when the aluminum tree adorned with ornaments of similar shape and color became the rage. Many traditional ornaments were thrown away during this period.

What to Look for in Antique Ornaments

If you're lucky enough to still have any vintage ornaments, hang on to them.

How to tell vintage versus new. Earlier ornaments were smaller than today's modern ornaments. They were usually done in soft colors with hand painted details. You'll notice that the paint may be faded or distressed in areas on vintage ornaments.

Hand blown versus machine made. Remove the stem from the base of the ornament. Ornaments that are hand blown will have an uneven base because the glass blower cannot make a clean break. Modern machine made ornaments will have a smooth even base.

Where to find vintage ornaments. Ebay, flea markets, church sales and garage sales are all good hunting grounds for vintage ornaments.

Prices

Prices can vary from $2 - $200 depending on the ornament and where you buy it.

Symbolism

Fruit and vegetable shapes symbolize the harvest.

Birds represent the biblical messengers that bring God's love and peace to the world. Birds were also symbolic of good luck and good fortune.

Pickle shapes signify luck.

Fish shape is an early Christian symbol for Christ.

Reflectors ornaments (ornaments with geometric concave indentations) during Victorian times, were often called witches eyes and were placed on the Christmas tree to fend off any evil spirits.

Star shapes represent the Star of Bethlehem.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com

---

Bathed in Blue - Love Can Happen for You

Whether you know him by Eros or Cupid, this son... Read More

Use H-O-L-L-Y to Beat Christmas Cooking Stress

What does holly, that untidy traditional greenery you just have... Read More

I Just Love It!

"I Just Love It!"You know the scenario. You're sitting at... Read More

Honor Mothers: Song Remembers Mom Forever

In the spirit of Mother's Day, two songwriters are sharing... Read More

Where Have All The Wise Men Gone? Jesus Is Not Acceptable For Christmas!

It's CHRISTmas!Where are the wise men?WOW - The wise men... Read More

Secrets to a Stress Free Holiday

December and all the excitement that comes with it can... Read More

Costumes! Do They Reflect On Your True Personality?

Costumes are a great way to escape reality, and wearing... Read More

Christmas Gifts to Last a Lifetime

Do you know what you are giving to the children... Read More

Making Time to Write this Holiday Season

As the countdown to Christmas day continues, most everyone is... Read More

12 Things That Make Life Worthwhile!

Happy New Year! Around the world, this is a time... Read More

5 Most Popular Styles of Christmas Ornaments

Traditionally Christmas ornaments were bulbs of all the same color... Read More

Making Gifts A Pleasure

As we reach the time of year when Christmas items... Read More

Ten Tips for a Real Holiday Season

Holidays and the start of a new year inevitably make... Read More

A Diamond Christmas 2004!

When Archduke Maximillian of Austria bestowed a diamond ring on... Read More

Alone for the Holidays?

Being alone is a challenge for many people. This challenge... Read More

Happy Holidays? It?s Up To You

The Holiday Season. Does time seem to compress, or is... Read More

Making the Holidays More Meaningful

Have the holidays become too commercial for you? Are you... Read More

What Causes Holiday Stress?

The holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration... Read More

Making Mom Happy on Mothers Day

Mothers day is May 8th this year, are you ready?... Read More

10 Steps to a Relaxing Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! Family, friends, good food ?... Read More

Fourth of July Quotes

MADRID ? For millions of Americans, this Fourth of July... Read More

For Thanksgiving ? Be Thankful He?s Not the Cheating Kind

Infidelity is at an all time high. According to the... Read More

Great Gifts Under $5

Gift giving is at its absolute finest during the Christmas... Read More

Consider the Egg

The glorious egg, with its deep links to Creation mythology,... Read More

Halloween Costumes...for Pets!

One of the best things about Halloween, is wearing a... Read More

Mothers Day Gift Ideas

Do you remember the days when your mother used to... Read More

What Are You Doing This Halloween?

When it comes to Halloween there's no lack of variety... Read More

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is an exciting night for children and a busy... Read More

The Christmas Dress

From the time I was a very little girl, I... Read More

Incredibles Kid Birthday Party Idea

Mr. Incredible and Elastiwoman to the Rescue. The Incredibles based... Read More

Patience

Ever since my girls were little, I've tried to teach... Read More

The Evolution of Christmas Ornaments

Things have come a long way since a Christmas ornament... Read More

Successful Holiday Gift Giving Starts with a Plan

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the... Read More