Why Do We Decorate Christmas Trees? The History of Christmas Tree Decorations

Colourful, decorated Christmas trees are one of the most iconic Christmas symbols. By late December, you can see them almost everywhere – in homes, schools, shopping centres, and even on the streets. But where did the tradition of decorating Christmas trees originate, and what does the tree itself symbolise? How long have Australians been decorating trees? What was once hung on tree branches, and what do we hang on them today? In this post, we’ll answer all these questions!

Pagan Traditions in Europe

The history of Christmas trees can be traced back to ancient pagan Europe. For the people of that time, an evergreen tree – which remained green even during the harshest winters – symbolised eternal life and strength. Evergreen branches, along with decorations made from them, were placed around the home and hung above windows and doors to protect the household from evil during long winter nights. These decorations were also intended to bring hope to the family, promising the quick arrival of spring, warmer weather, and a more comfortable, better life Originally, these customs had nothing to do with Christianity.

When Christianity spread throughout Europe, the tradition of decorating trees largely faded. However, it returned in western Germany around the 16th century. Christians brought evergreen trees into their homes and decorated them similarly to the old ways – with nuts, gingerbread, and fruit.Handmade Christmas baubles didn’t appear on the trees until later. At first, this “extravagant” idea was only embraced by the nobility, and it wasn’t until the early 18th century that it reached royal courts.

Royal Christmas Trees

The British royal family played a major role in popularising Christmas trees. Queen Victoria’s mother was German, which meant Victoria spent every Christmas with a decorated tree. In 1848, an illustration of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert standing beside a decorated tree at Windsor Castle was published in The Illustrated London News, and soon all of Britain went mad for decorating Christmas trees By the next year, nearly every household had one.

The rest of Europe soon remembered the custom of tree decorating. The trend also made its way to Australia with the settlers. Although Australia has its own native trees, settlers adapted local plants to use for Christmas decorations Americans were more sceptical, and the tradition of decorating trees didn’t become popular in the US until about 100 years later, in the mid-19th century.

Where Did Baubles Come From?

Originally, Christmas trees were decorated with fruit, nuts, and other natural items. The idea for glass baubles came from a German glassblower named Hans Greiner, who owned a glassworks. He blew the firstglass bauble, adding a shimmering touch by filling it with mercury. This was in 1847. As the dangers of mercury to human health became known, the silvering process was replaced with a mixture of sugar water and silver nitrate.

Beautiful, luxuryglass Christmas baubles quickly became popular. Initially, they were made in the shapes of traditional decorations, such as fruit and nuts. However, baubles in the shapes of animals, angels, and Father Christmas soon followed. Interestingly, today’s glass baubles are made in much the same way as in Hans Greiner’s time. That’s why they are still considered more valuable, beautiful, and traditional than plastic ones.

Decorating Baubles

In the past, baubles were hand-painted. Today,  hand-painted Christmas baubles are considered unique, special items that still have many admirers, despite the availability of cheap plastic baubles. Nowadays,personalised glass baubles, for example with the recipient’s name as a Christmas gift, are especially desirable. We also have an even wider variety than in the past.

At Artisan Ornaments, you can easily find sports-themed baubles,My 1st Christmas baubles, or In Loving Memory baubles. We also offer glass baubles for dog and cat lovers, and even ones with Australian themes.

Baubles, in addition to being hand-painted, also feature other decorations – glitter, sequins, or decorative stones. With such a wide variety of options over the years, we’ve moved away from hanging perishable fruit or gingerbread on trees. We’ve also left behind the practice of lighting the tree with candles, which, in the past, often caused fires in many homes. In the era of electrification, Edison himself proposed electric Christmas tree lights – although it took many years before they became affordable for most Americans, and later for people on other continents.

Unique Personalised Glass Baubles from Artisan Ornaments

Has the history of glass Christmas baubles inspired you? You’re bound to view them a little differently now. If you’d like to give a special, personalised glass Christmas bauble to a loved one, be sure to check out our online store or visit one of our physical shops, located in every major Australian city. We offer beautiful, handmade Christmas baubles, as well as other Christmas accessories and decorations – you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.