In AD 336, an ancient Roman calendar first mentions December 25 as the date of Jesus’ birth. This date was probably influenced by pagan year-end festivals to celebrate the harvest. The celebrations included specially prepared meals, home decorations, gift-giving and singing. Little by little, pagan traditions became part of Christian celebrations. Most Christmas traditions, such as the Christmas tree and decorations, come from central Europe. The first German Christmas trees were decorated with food; Apples, onions, pears, nuts, sweets and fruits were placed on a tree.

In the 19th century, glass ornaments were first made in Lauscha, Germany. This cottage industry involved the whole family. Generally, the men blew the glass, the women silver-plated, and the children helped 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 involved.

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

FW Woolworth was the first North American retailer to sell glass ornaments. The story goes that he wasn’t too sure about this new product line. However, Woolworth changed his mind in 1890 when he was selling $25 million worth of ornaments in his nickel stores.

Until 1925, virtually all hand-blown glass ornaments were made in Lauscha, Germany. By 1935, more than 250 million Christmas decorations were imported into the United States. After World War II, the Lauscha area became part of East Germany. Many glassblowers fled to West Germany, and the industry declined. Around this time, Japan and Czechoslovakia began to produce ornaments for the North American market.

In the 1960s, glass ornaments fell out of fashion as the aluminum tree garnished with ornaments of similar shape and color came into vogue. Many traditional ornaments were discarded during this period.

What to look for in antique ornaments

If you are lucky enough to have vintage ornaments, stick with them.

How to tell the old from the 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 worn in areas of old trim.

Hand blown vs. machine made. Remove the stem from the base of the ornament. Hand-blown ornaments will have an irregular base because the glassblower cannot break them cleanly. Modern machine-made toppers will have a smooth, even base.

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

Prices

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

Symbolism

The shapes of fruits and vegetables symbolize the harvest.

The birds represent the biblical messengers who bring God’s love and peace to the world. Birds were also a symbol of good luck and good fortune.

Pickle shapes mean luck.

The fish shape is an early Christian symbol of Christ.

Reflector ornaments (geometric concave notched ornaments) during Victorian times, were often called witch eyes and were placed on the Christmas tree to ward off evil spirits.

The star shapes represent the Star of Bethlehem.