History or Ornaments

Fun Fact Friday - The History of Ornaments

The earliest Christmas ornaments weren’t glass at all — they were apples, nuts, wafers, and candles.
Those apples came from medieval December 24 traditions honoring Adam and Eve, when evergreen “Paradise Trees” were decorated to tell the story of Eden. When fresh apples became scarce in winter, German glassblowers in the 1800s created hand-blown glass fruit instead and the Christmas ornament was born.
By the late 1800s, ornaments were being silvered on the inside to reflect candlelight, adding sparkle without extra flames, because who wants to add more burning candles to the fire hazard already in your home. Even tinsel was once made of real silver, hung lightly so it shimmered in the glow…at least until it tarnished after a day or two.
As Christmas trees moved into more homes in the 1800s, families looked for ways to decorate them without relying on costly glass ornaments. Popcorn and cranberry garlands and paper chains offered a simple solution. Using materials already on hand, these handmade decorations added color and charm while turning the act of decorating into a shared family tradition.
As candles gave way to electric lights in the early 1900s, ornaments became brighter, bolder, and more playful, evolving into the colorful keepsakes we know and love today.
From symbolic fruit to festive sparkle, every ornament carries a little history.