Ornamental Origins
The Bauble Head
Published: 12/1/21
By: Gordon Dawson
Christmas time is the most wonderful time of the year, with so many making seasonal preparations, gift purchasing, culinary creations, exterior illumination, and of course, decorating the Christmas tree. As far back as I can remember, my parents have always gone above and beyond when it comes to holiday decorations. Our home always looked, tasted, and smelled like Christmas during the weeks leading up to the big day. Like so many, it became a tradition to start decorating our home the day after Thanksgiving. The fall wreaths, harvest table settings, and everything pumpkin, were swapped out for the required red&green decor, complete with cinnamon potpourri, sugar cookies, miles of tiny lights, even festive bedding and pajamas. To say it mildly, our family loves Christmas and stops at nothing to celebrate the season with joyful festivities.
My mother always wanted to see a Christmas tree while in different rooms of the house. Therefore, there was usually a small one in the kitchen as this would be the busiest spot for her. A second tree, the family tree, would get put up in the den as this would be the place we all would spend the most time and celebrate Christmas Day. This tree always had colored lights, a plethora of personal items from us kids, and various trinkets from the many travels my parents and other family members would use as reminders of the special occasions. A third tree, the formal tree, would be placed in the living room for all the community to see. This tree would only be lit with white lights and would have a mix of teal, gold, silver, and white ornaments. It was stunning as all the ornaments were handmade by my Aunt Jane. Each ball was meticulously made to be different but used creative elements to make this tree the grand piece of our house. Of course, this tree was off-limits to me except for the one day when we would decorate and position it just right with the front window.
To this day, we still decorate our tree with these handmade ornaments that date back to 1980 as they’re timeless and remind us of past seasons and memories. It’s always fun to get the box out containing our ornaments and reminisce about the old and new traditions made during this festive time. This got me thinking; what is the origin of the Christmas tree ornament?
As with almost everything Christmas, Germany is the founding country that nearly all seasonal decor originates. Back in the 1600s and likely even before, German’s would add fruits and nuts to trees once their leaves fell off to symbolize the promise of spring to come. Then in 1605, a fur tree was brought inside and adorned with paper roses, candles, nuts, and fruits, which was groundbreaking, beginning the tradition we’ve come to replicate. Early ornaments were made out of whatever items the families had available to them, which promoted creativity no matter the financial perspective. Before lights, trees would be decorated with candles and bits of foil to reflect the room lighting, making the tree sparkle from any angle.
But it’s the ball ornaments that I’m most interested in learning as these have always been a staple of every tree I’ve enjoyed my entire life. Of course, the ball ornament originated in Germany too. Hans Greiner, an entrepreneur and glassmaker, started making glass ball ornaments (called baubles) during the late 16th century, which became the first manufactured Christmas ornament. Due to financial constraints, he would use his talents as a glassblower to make his decorations which quickly gained popularity throughout Europe. Soon, they made their way to England into Windsor Castle, where Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and other royal family members gathered around a Christmas tree decorated with candles and ornaments. It was said that each year, the queen and prince brought the tree into the castle on Christmas Eve, and they would decorate it themselves. Thus the tradition continues and grows with popularity.
Tree decorating really took off when, in 1880, a traveling salesman named Bernard Wilmsen found himself at the store of the retail titan, F.W. Woolworth. He tried to sell the German glass ornaments to the skeptical businessman. Although Woolworth believed Americans wouldn’t waste their money on such decorations, he reluctantly bought a single case of 144 baubles. Much to his surprise, he sold them all in mere hours. The following year, Woolworths ordered twice the amount, and those sold out just as quickly. After this, it became estimated that Woolworth’s stores were selling $25 million in baubles each year by the middle of the 1890s. That’s big money today; imagine what it was then.
Eventually, other manufacturers caught the wave and would create ornaments using plastic and injected molding, allowing for various other shapes, sizes, and colors at a much different price point.
Context
Thoughts
– Do you have a favorite decorating tradition?
– Handmade vs. store-bought?
– What does decorating for Christmas say about you?
