angel ornaments

Inside a.D. 336, an early Roman calendar first mentions December 25 as the date of Jesus' birth. This date was likely influenced 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 area of the Christian celebrations. Most Christmas traditions such as 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 placed on a tree. In the 1800s, gl** ornaments were first made in the Lauscha, Germany. This cottage industry involved the whole family. Generally, men did the gl****ing, women did the silvering and also the children helped to color and finish 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 at onto it. In the 1840s, Europeans immigrating to The united states brought with them their Christmas traditions. Just before that time, Christmas was not widely celebrated in The united states. As society became more prosperous, ornaments became larger in size and the colors be vibrant to mirror the new wealth. F.W. Woolworth was the very first United states retailer to market gl** ornaments. The storyline goes that he wasn't 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 the five-and-dime stores. Until 1925, almost all hand **n gl** ornaments were produced in Lauscha, Germany. By 1935, more then 250 million Christmas ornaments were being imported towards the United States. After WWII, the Lauscha area became a part of East Germany. Many gl****ers fled to West Germany and the industry declined. Around this time, Japan and Czechoslovakia began producing ornaments for that United states market Within the 1960's, gl** ornaments went of favor when the aluminum tree adorned with ornaments of comparable shape and color had become the rage. Many traditional ornaments were thrown away during this time period. What to Look for in Antique Ornaments If you are lucky enough to get have any vintage ornaments, hold on to them. How you can tell vintage versus new. Earlier ornaments were smaller than today's modern ornaments. They 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. Take away the stem from the bottom of the ornament. Ornaments that are hand **n will have an uneven base since the gl** **er cannot make a clean break. Modern bulk manufactured ornaments have a smooth even base. Where to find vintage ornaments. Ebay, flea markets, church sales and yard sales are all good hunting grounds for vintage ornaments. Prices Prices can differ from $2 - $200 depending on the ornament and where you purchase it. Symbolism Fruit and vegetable shapes symbolize the harvest. Birds represent the biblical messengers that bring God's love and peace around the world. Birds were also synonymous with best of luck and good fortune. angel ornaments Pickle shapes signify luck. Fish shape is definitely an early Christian symbol for Christ. Reflectors ornaments (ornaments with geometric concave indentations) during Victorian times, were known as witches eyes and were placed on the Christmas tree to fend off any evil spirits. Star shapes represent the Star of Bethlehem.