Legend behind some of the Glass Blown Ornaments

The steps involved in creating today’s true blown glass ornaments are exactly as they were years ago. These skills were perfected by German artists and passed down from generation to generation.
Glassblowers begin with a “blank,” a small hollow ball of glass. Once this is heated over a flame the blank is set into a porcelain mold. The glass blower then blows into the stem until the glass conforms to the shape of the mold.
The sizes and shapes of blown glass ornaments are limitless. Many ornaments have legends behind them and here are just a few (see if you can find these ornaments on our tree):
Coffee Pot – symbolic of hospitality
Baskets – symbol of plentiful good wishes
Birds – universal symbol of happiness
Cottages – represent heritage and culture of the glassblowers
Ear of Corn – reminder of the bounty and blessings nature bestows
Grapes – symbol of friendship
Acorn – good luck
Fish – symbolic Christian image
Star – guidance and faith
Pinecones – motherhood and fertility
Rose – expression of love and affection
St. Nicholas – kind and generous man

Christmas decorations date all the way back to the old Christmas markets in 16th century Germany. In those days, Christmas food, such as sugar rods, honey cakes, and other Christmas candy, were particularly used as Christmas decorations. In the 18th century, many other kinds of Christmas decorations became popular. Among them were glazed paper, colored paper, and those which contain candies, nuts, cakes, raisins, and fruits.
Angels: As early as the mid-1880’s, using angels as Christmas decorations became widespread. Angles are associated with the Christian culture, but are also known in Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism, where angels or beings similar to angels are used as messengers.
Christmas balls: As far back as three hundred years ago, glass balls were already used as Christmas decorations. Today, the big, shiny balls of thin plastic or glass are used. They were originally invented in Germany.
Christmas candles: To decorate the Christmas tree with Christmas candles is a tradition that dates back to the 16th century – the time when the Christmas tree was first brought into a living room. The candle symbolizes life and joy in a dark time, and is perfect for Christmas.