Introduction
An important part of celebrating Christmas is decorating a tree and even the whole house. It has been going on for centuries, and while handmade decorations made of fruit, nuts, and pinecones were initially used, glass ornaments appeared in the middle of the 19th century. Although mass-produced decorations, many made from plastic, wood, and metal, are popular nowadays, handmade glass Christmas ornaments are still the most popular, especially among people who want a classic, sophisticated look.
What are Christmas Decorations Made From?
Glass Baubles and Figurines
Glass ornaments are still favored as they have a classically European aesthetic appeal. They play with light and give a beautiful reflection of the Christmas lights on your tree. Most are made from blown glass, so the craftsmanship is of a very high standard. The only drawback is that many, especially the older ones, are fragile, so they may not be the best choice if you have young children or pets. However, these days, some are made of thicker glass, making them less breakable.
Plastic Ornaments
Plastic ornaments are generally mass-produced and are therefore reasonably priced. They often come in multipacks. Nevertheless, they can be pretty, and they are great if you have children or pets, or like to change your ornaments or decor theme often.
Textiles
Textile decorations give a warm and homely vibe to a room. Usually made from burlap, felt, or cotton, they are lightweight and so don’t pull down the Christmas Tree branches, ruining its shape and jeopardizing other ornaments. If you enjoy crafting, you can make your own textile decorations. Embroider a special message, and a textile Christmas decoration can be given as a thoughtful gift.
Wooden Ornaments
Wooden decorations give a rustic feel and suit a house with wooden furniture and a ski-hut theme decor. They are often intricately detailed and can be formed into whimsical figures such as animals, snowmen, the ever-popular Santa Claus, and angels.
Metal Decorations
Metal can be as elegant as glass, but it differs in that it is difficult to break and stands up to wear and tear. Because it lasts a long time and is sturdy, you don’t have to replace the decorations often, and when you do, these ornaments are recyclable. Metal suits both traditional and modern decor. Vintage bells, for example, lend a nostalgic feel, while a steel star or angel elevates a modern, minimalist room. Metal decorations are suitable for families with young children and pets.
What are the Most Common Shapes of Christmas Ornaments
Originally, the trees were decorated with real apples and other fruits. The first Christmas ornaments that were commercially available were made of glass and were ball-shaped. Later on, all sorts of forms became available for tree decoration. Today, you can find the shapes that relay the beauty of winter, the joy of the festive holidays, and the traditions that have formed over the centuries.
Classic Round Baubles
Round balls are the most traditional type of Christmas decoration and are generally made from glass, metal, or plastic. Also known as baubles, they come in different sizes, colors, and finishes, including glossy and matte. Blown glass baubles are often hand-painted, which makes them particularly special.
Christmas Trees
Glass Christmas trees are beautiful decorations to hang on your tree, since nothing symbolizes the holiday season better. You can also put them as accent pieces around the house to create a festive mood. Stunning glass trees are made in Murano, Italy, in a variety of colors, often with bright Millefiori mosaic inclusions and a generous dusting of 24K gold leaf. Wooden Christmas trees are also popular and bring to mind the days of Christmas caroling, fireplaces around which the whole family warmed up while telling stories, and parents and kids making their own Christmas tree decorations with simple tools and painting them in bright colors to welcome the Season.
Snowflakes
Snowflake-shaped ornaments are usually intricate and have symmetrical patterns that resemble the crystal-based magic of real snowflakes. They are generally made from glass, metal, or plastic. Dress your tree with snowflakes, and you will have a winter wonderland right in your living room.
Stars
Star-shaped ornaments symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, which inspired the Three Wise Men to travel to Bethlehem in search of the baby Jesus. They are often used as tree-toppers and can be made of any type of material.
Angels
Angels are popular ornaments as they are a reminder of the angels in the Nativity story. They are particularly popular with children who may play angels in the Nativity play at school, or make snow angels when the fresh snow makes everything beautifully quiet and brings the magic of Christmas traditions alive. Like stars, angel decorations can be made of any material and are also often used as tree toppers.
Icicles
Icicle ornaments are long, thin, and usually made of clear glass, mimicking real icicles. Murano Glass masters often create bright icicles made with Millefiori glass, or filigrana ones with colored canes fused together for a beautiful, sparkly effect. They hang vertically from the tree branches, adding a glistening, frosty touch to your Christmas decorations.
Teardrops
With an elongated tear-shaped design and often made from glass, these ornaments are elegant and sophisticated. Because of their shape, they reflect light, which adds to the magical Christmas atmosphere.
Dangle Ornaments
Dangle ornaments hang down and often have several elements that sway. They are usually made from glass and add a fun aspect to the tree display.
Figural Ornaments
These can be anything, including animals, such as reindeer or donkeys, snowmen, and Santa Claus. They can be made from any type of material and are often detailed and colorful, adding a touch of quirkiness to a Christmas tree.
Brief History of Glass Christmas Tree Ornaments
Christmas ornaments have an interesting history. The first Christmas ornaments date back to the 16th century, when Latvian guild members decorated a Christmas tree with roses. Around the same time in Germany, trees were decorated with apples and candy canes for Christmas. Back then, tinsel was made from shredded strips of hammered silver, but, because of this, it was only available to the wealthy.
The turning point came in the mid-19th century in the village of Lauscha in Germany. Here, glass had been made for many years, and in 1847, glassmaker Hans Greiner started to craft tree ornaments out of glass. At first, the designs were simple, but nevertheless, this innovation caught on and spread throughout Europe and further afield. Greiner called these ornaments baubles.
As the trend spread, the designs became more complex with intricate patterns and vivid colors being used.
Glass blowing is still used today to produce unique glass ornaments, but technological advancements have been embraced. For example, more sophisticated machinery and tools are being used after the glass has been blown. This means that traditions can be maintained, but there is still room for innovations such as lacquering to add vibrant colors and silvering to produce reflective elements. Many people want to have special messages written on their glass baubles to add a personal touch, and some companies do this. In addition, people can even choose designs that have significance to them.
What is Special About Glass Ornaments?
Aesthetic Appeal
Glass ornaments are stunning, especially when they are hand-painted or have special messages written on them. They have a timeless beauty, and even ones handed down through the generations look relevant today. They don’t go out of style and can bring back beautiful memories when you take them out each Christmas.
Craftsmanship
Many glass ornaments are handmade using the glassblowing technique. which takes great skill on the part of the artisan. You may pay more for these baubles, but they are well worth it, especially if you want to hand them down as heirlooms. As they aren’t produced in a production line, each ornament is unique.
Some glass ornaments go through a silvering process, which takes even more skill. The inside of the glass has to be coated with a thin layer of silver nitrate. It gives the ornaments a stunning reflective quality.
Historical Significance
Christmas glass ornaments have been made since the 19th century, so they have a long history. Collectors value glass ornaments, and they can fetch a good price.
Variety of Designs
Glass Christmas tree ornaments come in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can design unique displays for your tree, which are personal to you. Maybe choose one color or one shape. Perhaps you want to have a mixture of personalized glass ornaments. Possibly choose a theme, such as religion with angel ornaments or a winter scene with stars and icicles.
Durability
Although glass ornaments seem delicate and the vintage ones usually are, nowadays, they are hardier than they look, as they are made from thicker glass. With proper care, they can last for many years.
They Can Be Customized
Some companies will customize glass ornaments with designs special to you or will put a person’s name on them or a message. They make beautiful gifts for someone special.
What Christmas Glass Ornaments Say About You
The type of ornaments you favor can say a lot about you, so what does glass signify?
You are Traditional
Glass Christmas tree ornaments have been made since the 19th century, and, although modern elements have been added, they are still based on tradition. If you like these ornaments, there is a part of you that loves the past and wants to keep it alive. This is even more true if you display glass baubles which have been handed down through the generations.
You Are Elegant and Sophisticated
Glass ornaments are generally tasteful and elegant, which is a reflection of your personality. You like the better things in life. Suppose you dress your tree only with glass ornaments. In that case, you will be creating a sophisticated space, particularly if you choose one color theme. Glass ornaments have a timeless beauty, which you have probably replicated in your everyday decor.
You Appreciate Good Craftsmanship
Glass-bowing is a skilled technique. It involves gathering molten glass on the end of a blowpipe. The glass is then heated to a high temperature, and when it is hot, air is blown down the pipe to create a bubble. The glass is then shaped with other tools. It can take years for the artisan to perfect their craft. If you collect blown glass ornaments, you will probably appreciate good craftsmanship and artistry. You may even collect ornaments from an artisan whose work you admire.
The craftsmanship does not stop there. After the glass has been blown, the baubles can be hand-painted and decorated with intricate details. Laquering adds vibrant colors, and silvering gives a reflective finish. All these details add to your appreciation.
You Care For Your Family
Glass Christmas tree ornaments make perfect family heirlooms. If looked after properly, they will last for years and will remind your descendants of you. You will never be forgotten. Maybe your ornaments will tell a story about you, especially if you have had them customized. In addition, you may be thinking about their future and hand the ornaments down for their value. Well-kept glass ornaments often appreciate.
Final Thoughts
Glass Christmas ornaments are special. They are not cheap compared to ornaments made from other materials, such as plastic, but they are worth every penny. If you like glass ornaments, you appreciate the better things in life and don’t mind spending a bit more for elegance and sophistication. You respect the craftsmanship that has gone into making them and feel that they are a good way to create a family tradition and make a nice heirloom to use every year, and create memories that last a lifetime.
