Though you may think about an ordinary Christmas tree when you hear the word “ornament”, the history behind these sentimental pieces is deep, spanning across different cultures, time periods, and regions. These decorative objects have been used for centuries to symbolize wealth, spirituality, and beauty.
Early Origins of Ornaments
The word traces back to the Latin verb “ornare” which means “to decorate”. Generations later, in the 12th century, the French coined the word “ournament” which translates to “an accessory that primarily serves as adornment”. As decorative items, ornaments took many forms and developed alongside their civilizations. In Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, the upper class used jewelry and decorative items to display status, serve religious purposes, and provide protection. For example, Egyptians wore elaborate necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, often featuring precious stones and metals. During the medieval period, ornaments took on strong religious significance. European Christians used ornaments in churches, including stained-glass windows, altar pieces, and religious symbols such as the cross.
Christmas Ornaments Gain Popularity
It wasn’t until the 16th century when the Germans created the holiday practice of hanging ornaments on a Christmas tree. Prior to, Germans would go outside to decorate their fir trees with fruits and nuts in hopes for spring to come earlier. The tradition evolved when one day, a fir tree was brought inside and decorated with paper roses and candles and soon after, the brilliant idea quickly spread across Germany and Europe! The first glass ornament (also known as baubles) was invented by German glass blower Hans Greiner in the 1800s. Legend has it that he couldn’t afford to buy apples to hang on his tree, so he made glass ones instead! Greiner’s manufactured Christmas ornaments became so popular and commercially successful that by the late 1800s, the F.W. Woolworth Company, the largest department store at the time, sold $25 million of German-imported ornaments in the United States. In comparison, that would be worth $866 million today!1
Ornaments in Today’s World
Fast forward to the present, ornaments in the modern era continue to evolve, reflecting changes in technology, materials, and global influence. They’ve outgrown their former use as just a pretty thing to hang on a tree and now hold more significance to them. At Beacon Design, ornaments are manufactured with precision and assembled with care. For almost 50 years, we have been able to mass produce stunning, high-quality keepsakes out of brass sheets. Not only do we manufacture seasonal ornaments for the holidays, but we also partner with hundreds of renowned organizations like the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC and the White House Historical Association. Many non-profit organizations are now embracing custom ornament programs as powerful fundraising tools, offering their donors and volunteers meaningful keepsakes that reflect their mission and values. Large universities can generate loyalty by selling custom ornaments as symbols of school pride to give to their alumni and most devoted supporters.
The possibilities of high-quality, custom-made ornaments are plentiful, and Beacon Design takes pride in crafting them 100% in the United States with unmatched expertise and care. If you’re interested in starting your own ornament program, click here to get started and create something memorable!
Sources:
