Every year, come November, we already start to think about Christmas. It is a holiday that has become well-known all around the globe and is celebrated in the vast majority of countries.

Of course traditionally, Christmas is the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, so it is observed in predominantly Christian states, but not just there. The unique atmosphere of Christmas and the pervasive spirit of generosity and joy during that period made it also popular in countries with different religions and traditions. Some communities treat it as an occasion to simply meet with their family and friends, feast on delicious food, and, naturally, exchange presents.

The story behind a traditional Christmas ornament

Every year, come November, we already start to think about Christmas. It is a holiday that has become well-known all around the globe and is celebrated in the vast majority of countries. Of course traditionally, Christmas is the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, so it is observed in predominantly Christian states, but not just there.

The unique atmosphere of Christmas and the pervasive spirit of generosity and joy during that period made it also popular in countries with different religions and traditions. Some communities treat it as an occasion to simply meet with their family and friends, feast on delicious food, and, naturally, exchange presents.

One of the reasons behind such immense popularity of Christmas is this exceptional, cosy atmosphere associated with it. It is largely due to the company of your loved ones and the shared feeling of celebration. What also plays an important role, however, is an army of intricate ornaments that transforms every place into a magical Christmas wonderland.

Garlands, wreaths, fancy candles, Christmas-themed tablecloths and pillowcases, Santa Clauses and elves, and – probably the most iconic of them all – the Christmas tree. Of course, the whole charm of this last element comes from its splendid decorations, especially Christmas baubles.

The beginnings of glass ornaments

The tradition of decorating one’s house with evergreens dates as far back as the Ancient times, when they were used as a symbol of rebirth and life. The custom began to take on its modern form around the sixteenth century in Germany. German Protestants initially decorated fir trees with candles, apples, walnuts, and candy, but glass ornaments – so popular nowadays – first appeared in the very same century.

In 1597, Hans Greiner and Christoph Müller started the first glassworks in Lauscha – a locality that would later become well-known for all kinds of glassware. Hans Greiner is said to have invented the first Christmas glass ornaments (in the form of bead garlands), but it was his descendant – also named Hans Greiner – that started manufacturing glass baubles in the shapes of apples and walnuts.

Glass baubles from Lauscha quickly gained recognition, and not just in Germany. The trend spread across the continent so fast that in a couple of years these glass trinkets were used all over Europe.

The British Royal family played a significant role in promoting it – the famous picture of Queen Victoria, her husband Prince Albert, and their children gathered around a decorated Christmas tree made even more people fall in love with this new tradition. In the 1880s, they were also discovered by Frank W. Woolworth who started importing them to the United States.

Today, these Christmas balls are used to decorate trees all over the world. They have changed, evolved, are available in all kinds of shapes and colours and are not necessarily made of glass. Bauble kiosks offer a whole array of ornaments made of polystyrene, wood, metal, or plastic. There are different finishes, baubles are embellished with elegant patterns or elaborate pictures. The introduction of mass production allowed us to make them available to every household, thanks to which everyone can enjoy the unique charm of the Christmas atmosphere. With time, shops also began selling custom baubles made specially for customers in specific areas.

The Spirit of Australian Christmas

True admirers of traditional glass baubles can be found in every corner of the world, even those not known for white Christmases. In order to meet the expectations of such customers in Australia, Artisan Ornaments began cooperation with glass factories in Europe.

The company sells handmade Christmas decorations, each of which can be personalised upon purchase. Their high-quality baubles are available in three different sizes and can be plain or adorned with a pattern or hand-painted picture. Particularly noteworthy are their ornaments featuring typically Australian creatures, such as koalas and kangaroos. They will look magnificently, even in summer sunlight!

Last Updated on November 14, 2023 by soubhik