The History of Christmas 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 ready 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 located on a tree.

In the 1800s, glass ornaments were first made in the Lauscha, Germany. This bungalow commerce involved the whole family. Generally, men did the glassblowing, women did the silvering and the children helped to paint and terminate them. These gorgeous new glass ornaments began to replace edible decorations.

Christmas

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 supreme in North America. As community became more prosperous, ornaments became larger in size and the colors come to be 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 million worth of ornaments in his five-and-dime stores.

Until 1925, virtually all hand blown glass ornaments were man-made 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 commerce declined. Colse to 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 original ornaments were thrown away during this period.

What to Look for in old 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 commonly done in soft colors with hand painted details. You'll observation that the paint may be faded or distressed in areas on vintage ornaments.

Hand blown versus motor 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 motor made ornaments will have a plane even base.

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

Prices

Prices can vary from - 0 depending on the ornament and where you buy it.

Symbolism

Fruit and vegetable shapes symbolize the harvest.

Birds report 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 fastener for Christ.

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

Star shapes report the Star of Bethlehem.

The History of Christmas Ornaments