CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

Although decorating with evergreens during winter solstice dates back to the ancient Egyptians, the modern tradition of Christmas decorations on a tree began in Germany in the 16th century. The Germans would place apples on evergreen trees. Later they placed pastries in the shapes of flowers, stars and angels. It is believed that Martin Luther was the first to put candles on the Christmas tree.

Rumor has it that a 16th century glassblower named Hans Greiner began making ornaments out of glass. Greiner could not afford apples so he created his own decorations. Others saw his creations and began ordering their own glass ornaments.

Christmas ornaments were primarily a European tradition until the 1770s. Hessian soldiers brought the idea of the decorated trees to the Americas during the American Revolutionary War. Americans were not thrilled with the tradition since Christmas was sacred and the tree and decorations were considered pagan symbols. That changed in the 1800s.

Due to heavy migration to America from Germany and England during the 1800s, the tradition of the Christmas tree and Christmas ornaments became more accepted. Popularity really rose during the time of Queen Victoria and it became fashionable in England and America to have a decorated Christmas tree.

F.W. Woolworth saw a market for Christmas ornaments and began importing glass ornaments from Germany in the 1880s. It was a very successful endeavor. 

Most glass ornaments were made in Germany until after World War II. Due to a backlash against items made in Germany, mass production of ornaments moved to Japan and other Eastern European countries.