We spend a great deal of our time, money and thought on Christmas ornaments each year. But how did it all begin?
No one actually knows. There are theories that the Christmas tree was brought into the home after being used in church pageants, but no one really knows.
There really is a lot of mystery surrounding the whole concept. Everyone knows ornaments began in Germany in the 15th century but no one seems to know why. Who was the first person who first decided to put a tree in their home and decorate it?
Most people theorize that the tree became a symbol of the hope of spring and all of the new growth and regeneration. People began by decorating trees with nuts and fruits. The items that would grow on trees. It later evolved to include candy, paper streamers and little metal bits.
When we look at the evolution of the ornament over time, one thing is clear. It is about light. More and more items with reflective surfaces were used: shiny ornaments, tinsel, metalic surfaces, lights and of course, a star on top.
This makes sense when we think about winters harshness. It gets dark earlier and can be wet, cold and dreary. This was not only about bringing the sunshine into the home, but anticipating the spring with all of its renewal.
When you give an ornament as a gift this year, remember, you are really giving a little sunshine for someone to be able to make it through the winter until spring blossoms once more.
"Copyright 2006, Mary Welling-Bonney & Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright."
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