Who invented the Christmas ornament?
What was it about the 1840s? Dickens, Sir Henry Cole and then baubles. These were invented in Lauscha in Germany by Heinz Greiner who began the blowing and decorating of glass balls in the 1840s. They were brought to the United Kingdom by Queen Victoria and popularised in the U.S. by F.W.Woolworth who made a considerable amount of money importing them.
Why bauble?
The etymology of the word bauble is that it is based on the Middle English word babull and the Old French word baubel meaning a child’s toy or trinket. Ultimately this came from the Latin word bellus, meaning pretty. To Americans they are balls.
Where did the tradition come from?
Old-fashioned, antique and old-looking Christmas tree decoration is tremendously popular but the tradition actually started with the Romans who used to hang fruit on trees at celebrations. Later this moved on to painted blown eggs and then to blown glass ornaments. The decorations signify the lights shining through the branches of a small fir tree, discovered by Saint Boniface in 723 A.D. when the tree was discovered after a much larger sheltering Oak was cut down. They represent hope and light.
What is the most valuable Christmas decoration in the world?
This tree topper was created in 2020 by Hallmark Jewellers and is valued at £82,000. If we manage to get this Christmas ornament for sale, you will be the first to know!
Have you been looking for vintage Christmas baubles for sale? If so and you've enjoyed looking at our collection, please take a look at the rest of our seasonal retro Christmas gifts in store for the holiday season. Merry Christmas!
