Christmas tree ornaments come in all shapes, colors and materials.
For families with young children the Christmas tree has different types of ornaments than the one in an office, hotel or church. Ornaments may be home made or bought in a store. Materials such as paper, plastic or textile are used to make tree ornaments. However in almost all types of trees the glass ornaments are in the majority.
For centuries glass ornaments have been made by artisans in Germany, Czechia, Slovakia and Poland. The region of Bohemia is world famous for its crystal.
For many craftsmen the production of Christmas ornaments was their home based business during the winter months. The variety of the designs is endless. Each craftsman used his own imagination and created unique shapes and objects in blown glass.
The early Christmas tree served two purposes.
1. the green needles represented the continuation of life in nature and the promise for new green in the coming spring.
2. the tree became a holder of candles. The candles produced light in the darkest days of winter and gave hope that new light was on its way after the cold and dark winter.
People started to add decorations to the tree in the form of fruit and then it was discovered that adding shiny and glittering items enhanced the lighting function of the candles.
Glass is the perfect material for the application. It shines and sparkles in the tree. Shiny ball shapes reflect the light in all directions.
In the last century the artisans were partly replaced by small factories, but individual artists are still active in this business. Many of the Christmas ornaments continue to be made in the same Bohemia region, although a lot of ornaments also come to us from China.
Glass ornaments were the perfect Christmas tree decoration in the past and will no doubt serve that purpose for many years to come.
Merry Christmas!!!