Friday Facts - Decorated Christmas Trees

Image by Jim Cooper from Pixabay 

The popularity of Christmas trees have spread beyond Christian homes. 

It's not uncommon to see decorated trees in homes all over the world—regardless of one's cultural background or religious beliefs.

Christmas trees are beautiful, but this tradition that began in Germany several centuries ago didn't feature glitzy, sparkling decorations.

Prior to the 16th century, trees were decorated with nuts and apples and were designed to symbolize religious stories.

Beautiful ornamentation began in the 1800's when blown glass ornaments called baubles were created by glassblowers in Lauscha, Germany.

This tradition of glass ornaments became popular in Queen Victoria's reign in England because of the popularity of Queen Victoria's Christmas tree. 

Tree of Life Glass Ornament

As I said above, Germany was where decorated Christmas trees began, and the Queen's husband Albert—Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha—came from a German principality. 

When he married the Queen in 1840, he brought his German Christmas tradition with him.

Nearly 20 years later, an illustration of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their decorated tree was widely published and was a hit wither practically everyone in the English-speaking world.

The popularity of the royal family's Christmas tree spread to America, and American merchant F.W. Woolworth began importing German glass ornaments to sell in his stores.

Woolworth blazed the way, and other merchants followed which made the decorations available and affordable to most Americans.

Starry Night Glass Ornament

Glass ornaments aren't common in today's plastic world, but they are more beautiful than plastic.

They're also available in many different styles and shapes from round balls to snowflakes and miniature holiday scenes and cultural and religious themes. Even better, you can find them at many price points.

You can find ornaments with Christian, Buddhist, nature, music, and classic art themes, and so much more. Click the links in the caption and explore some exquisite glass ornaments.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

When you begin placing ornaments on your tree, why not lift your eggnog in a toast to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in honor of this tradition? Happy decorating!

9 piece Glass Ball Set

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commission but at no extra cost to you.

* * * * * * * * *

Have fun reading! NOBODY'S CINDERELLA, a spicy Christmas RomCom, on sale. Only 99¢.

Subscribe to Joan's newsletter, I LOVE READING, and receive exclusive content

and news about book bargains and new releases,

SIGN UP TODAY.