Captivating Christmas Tree Ornaments & Their Origin

Christmas Pomander Ornament

Evergreens have been used for thousands of years as symbols of continued life and renewal. Christians wanted to celebrate the birth of Christ and the pine tree symbolized everlasting life so it was adapted from pagan roots.

Many different versions of the way this came to be can be found throughout history, but one tale brought the idea of decorating pines into use.

Jim Shore Bearing Gifts Ornament

First Kinkade Tabletop Tree With Lights, Moving Train, Music

Thomas Kinkade Snow-bell Holidays Snowman Ornament Set

In the 1500s, Martin Luther is said to have been overcome with the beauty of evergreens draped with sparkling snow one evening.

When he got home, he made a smaller replica of the tree for his family and others to see, by attaching candles as Christmas tree ornaments to the ends of the branches of a small tree. The lights gave glory to Jesus’ birth.

Years later, the Germans who settled in the New World brought the custom to America. Some religions shunned the idea of a tree and others embraced it throughout the 1700 and early 1800s. By 1900, evergreens were becoming a traditional part of the Christmas celebration all around the world.

Disney Characters Shoe Ornament Collection

Everlasting Mistletoe

When German settlers in America first began to decorate their trees, nuts, fruit, paper strips, and reflective materials that would give some illumination were used on them.

Gingerbread in different shapes gave a warm scent and would last many days on the tree. These were some of the first Christmas tree ornaments.

Dona Gelsinger’s Santa Ornaments Set One: Set Of Three

Thomas Kinkade Wondrous Winter Pre-Lit Pull-Up Tree

As years progressed into the mid-1800s, in England, Queen Victoria’s love of the custom of her German Prince Albert began more use of decorated trees with Christmas tree ornaments in Britain.

Handiwork, bright pictures, and sparkling angel hair that were customarily British, found their way onto trees.

Christmas Enchantment

European companies, especially in and around Czechoslovakia, began producing shiny glass decorations for trees.

Thomas Kinkade Crystal 3D Santa Claus Figurine

Thomas Kinkade Sugar-Coated Santas Ornaments

F.W. Woolworth thought these would be a good seller in the United States and began selling mass quantities of glass Christmas tree ornaments that grew into a million dollar business by nickel and dime increments.

Kinkade Crystal Snowman With Glowing Village, Moving Train

Kinkade Snowman Ornament With Home, Moving Train

Kinkade Santa’s On His Way Illuminated Ornament

M.I. Hummel Ornament With Light, Motion And Sound

Thomas Kinkade I’ll Be Home For Christmas Ornaments

Brand New 12″ Moravian Star Tree Topper

The top of the tree was where a special ornament would be placed. A star symbolized the Star Of Bethlehem whereas an angel symbolized the heavenly host that sang at Jesus’ birth.

When the first Christmas tree toppers were added, they were probably lit candles much like those that tipped the end branches. Once other ornaments became more popular the list began to grow.