xmas trees and decorations

Inside a.D. 336, an early Roman calendar first mentions December 25 because the date of Jesus' birth. This date was likely affected by the year-end pagan festivals to celebrate the harvest. Celebrations included specially prepared meals, decorating of homes, gift-giving and singing. Gradually, pagan traditions was a part of the Christian celebrations. Most Christmas traditions like the Christmas tree and ornaments originated from central Europe. The earliest German Christmas trees were decorated with food; apples, onions, pears, nuts, candies, and fruits were positioned on a tree. Within the 1800s, gl** ornaments were first made in the Lauscha, Germany. This cottage industry involved the entire family. Generally, men did the gl****ing, women did the silvering and also the children helped to color and finished them. These beautiful new gl** ornaments started 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 in onto it. In the 1840s, Europeans immigrating to The united states brought together their Christmas traditions. Prior to that point, Christmas wasn't widely celebrated in The united states. As society became more prosperous, ornaments became larger in size and the colors become more vibrant to mirror the brand new wealth. F.W. Woolworth was the very first North American retailer to sell gl** ornaments. The storyline goes he was not too sure relating to this new product line. However, Woolworth changed his mind by 1890 when he was selling $25 million worth of ornaments in his five-and-dime stores. Until 1925, virtually all hand **n gl** ornaments were manufactured in Lauscha, Germany. By 1935, more then 250 million Christmas ornaments appeared to be imported to the Usa. After WWII, the Lauscha area became a part of East Germany. Many gl****ers fled to West Germany and also the industry declined. Around this time, Japan and Czechoslovakia began producing ornaments for that North American market Within the 1960's, gl** ornaments went out of fashion once the aluminum tree adorned with ornaments of comparable shape and color became the rage. Many traditional ornaments were disposed of during this time period. Excellent customer service in Antique Ornaments If you're lucky enough to get have any vintage ornaments, hold on to them. How to tell vintage versus new. Earlier ornaments were small compared to today's modern ornaments. These were usually done in soft colors with hand-painted details. You'll find that the paint may be faded or distressed in areas on vintage ornaments. Hand **n versus bulk manufactured. Remove the stem from the bottom of the ornament. Ornaments that are hand **n may have an uneven base because the gl** **er cannot create a clean break. Modern bulk manufactured ornaments will have a smooth even base. Where to find vintage ornaments. Ebay, local flea markets, church sales and yard sales are good hunting cause for vintage ornaments. Prices Prices can differ from $2 - $200 depending on the ornament where you buy it. Symbolism Vegetable and fruit shapes symbolize the harvest. Birds represent the biblical messengers that bring God's love and peace to the world. Birds were also synonymous with best of luck and good fortune. xmas trees and decorations Pickle shapes signify luck. Fish shape is an early Christian symbol for Christ. Reflectors ornaments (ornaments with geometric concave indentations) during Victorian times, were known as witches eyes and were positioned on the Christmas tree to fend off any evil spirits. Star shapes represent the Star of Bethlehem.