Famous Heirloom Christmas Ornaments with Special Meanings

Our family is of German descent so we treasure heirloom Christmas tree ornaments with special meanings. It was in Germany in the 1500's that families began decorating a wooden pyramid with greens and decorative objects in place of the Bavarian Paradise tree used at Christmas time. It was in Germany in 1596 that the world famous Muller family began offering their mouth blown glassware art to people all over the world. Today, Inge-Glas of Germany, named after Heinz Muller-Bleck's late wife, creates and sells the world's most famous glass blown Christmas tree heirloom ornaments.

Meaning of the Glass Pickle Christmas Ornament

In rich German tradition, the glass pickle ornament was the last ornament to be hung on a Christmas tree by Mom's and Dad's. Parents would decorate the Tannenbaum, a fir tree, and carefully hide the glass pickle ornament among all other ornaments on the Christmas tree. When the children saw the decorated tree for the first time, they scrambled to find the glass pickle ornament because the one who found it got a special Christmas present and could open their Christmas presents first!

Meaning of the Brides Tree Christmas Ornaments

In rich German tradition, newlywed couples that are celebrating their first Christmas are given a set of Brides Tree Ornaments from Inge-Glas. The Brides Tree Christmas Keepsake Ornament set includes 12 mouth blown glass ornaments to make sure that the newlywed's lives are blessed and full of happiness. The meaning of the 12 Brides Tree Ornaments are:

An Angel Ornament for God's Guidance in the Home

A Rose Ornament for Beauty, Affection and the Virgin Mary

A Rabbit Ornament for Hope, Faith and Peace with Nature

A Teapot Ornament for Hospitality

A Pine Cone Ornament for Motherhood, Fruitfulness, and Eternity

A Santa Ornament for Unselfishness and Goodwill

A House Ornament for Family Shelter and Protection

A Fruit Basket Ornament for Generosity and Plentiful Bounty

A Bird Ornament for Happiness, Joy, and Confidence in the Home

A Flower Basket Ornament for Good Wishes and Beauty in the Home

A Heart Ornament for True Love in the Home

A Fish Ornament for Christ's Blessing and Fertility

Other Heirloom Christmas Ornaments with Special Meanings

Meaning of Fir Trees

The fir tree was used in mid-winter celebrations dating back to pre-Christian times as a symbol of nature's dominance over cold winters and darkness. In Christian times, the fir tree and other evergreen trees were used in German tradition to symbolize Christ's everlasting life. Its boughs are thick and dense helping to protect delicate birds and animals from winter cold.

Meaning of the Glass Devil Head Ornament

The glass devil head ornament is believed to be one of the earliest moulds made in Germany for Christmas tree decorations. It was usually hung next to the Santa ornament and is sometimes referred to as Krumpus. Krumpus reminds girls and boys that they better be good or they would be punished for misbehaving.

Meaning of the Glass Apple Ornament

Early Christmas trees were decorated with natural items like fruits, nuts and flowers so many antique glass ornaments were made from these German traditional symbols. In German legend, the apple means temptation and if the apple was cut open on Christmas Eve and there was a perfect star formed by plump seeds, then good fortune and good health would come to the home.

Meaning of the Glass Walnut Ornament

The walnut is one of the earliest Christmas tree ornaments used by our German ancestors. You might not want to follow this German tradition though. Parents cracked open walnuts on Christmas Eve for each person in the home. If the walnut was spoiled, death would come to that person.

Meaning of the Glass Acorn Ornament

You might prefer to use the glass acorn ornament on your Christmas tree instead of the walnut. In German tradition, acorns meant good luck because they came from the sacred oak tree. Acorns represent a rebirth of life from the birth of the Christ child. Acorns represent the gift of life and luck.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from our German family to yours!

Sources:

Brides Tree Ornaments

http://www.christmasgiftgallery.com/christmas-ornament-set.htm

The Bride's Tree

http://www.christmas-decorations-gifts-store.com/Christmas_Ornaments.html

Legends of Christmas Ornaments

http://www.xmasdays.com/store/legends.html

History of Christmas Ornaments

http://www.christmas-decorations-gifts-store.com/Christmas_Ornaments.html

History of Inge-Glas of Germany

http://www.inge-glas.com/