Christmas Tree Ornaments - Add That Special Touch to Your Holiday

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Steven_Watson,_Ph.D.]Steven Watson, Ph.D.

The Christmas tree has become an important symbol in our society which represents family reunion and good cheer. There is nothing that will set a Christmas tree apart from the rest more than the creativity found in choosing ornaments that reflect our personality and values.

Placing Christmas ornaments on evergreen trees is a custom that dates back over 200 years. The earliest ornaments were usually fruit and nuts which were readily available and represented hope and sustenance for people. Over time, paper streamers and metal foil were used on Christmas trees as was food items shaped to look like fruit. Human nature demands that we stretch the realm of possibilities for everything and Christmas ornaments were no exception. People began to be more creative with their choices of ornaments and a wide range of items made out of various materials began to appear on trees.

The rise of glass ornaments can be traced to Germany during the 19th century.
Tradition has it that glass ornaments in the shape of a pickle were given to the most observant and well behaved German children by their parents as a reward. However, some believe that the tradition of the glass pickle ornament originated from a Bavarian man who came to the United States to fight in the Civil War and was captured by the Confederates. He persuaded a jailer to give him a pickle to eat which led to his survival. The man returned to Bavaria where he started placing a glass pickle in the Christmas tree where the finder would have a year of good luck.

Whatever the source of the tradition, German glass producers began to manufacture ornaments made of glass for people to use on their trees. The craft of glass blowing and manufacturing had been perfected by this time and ornaments were viewed as a creative and lucrative way to expand the glass product market. Also, because of its beauty, glass was prized by many people as being a very attractive way to decorate a tree and make it special. The use of glass ornaments caught on and craftsmen from other parts of Europe and from the United States began to produce them. Woolworth's department store introduced imported German Christmas Ornaments for re-sale on a large scale around 1880 in the United States. This made glass ornaments more affordable for most people and resulted in the discount store selling $25 million per year in ornaments.

Christmas tree ornaments are a reflection of the people who choose them and can be a great source of joy during the holidays. Many ornaments are handed down from one generation to another and have special meaning for family members. Glass ornaments remain as a favorite among tree decorators because of their beauty and durability while others prefer a more natural look. Whatever your ornament preference, have fun decorating your tree and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Steve Watson, PhD has created a wide variety of informational products and has a particular interest in helping elderly people remain as active and healthy as possible. Click here if you want to learn more about Steve's primary website http://www.keepseniorsactive.com

If you enjoyed this article, click on this link to learn about the development of lead crystal glass which can be used to create the most beautiful Christmas ornaments you have ever seen http://hubpages.com/hub/crystalglassbeauty

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Watson,_Ph.D. http://EzineArticles.com/?Christmas-Tree-Ornaments---Add-That-Special-Touch-to-Your-Holiday&id=1720673

Learn more about Christmas Tree Ornaments at the best craft website online, GetCrafty Crafts Website