Brass Christmas
Christmas Decorations History
Most of the Christmas home decorations we see in Christmas stores today have evolved from many other cultures. Charles D. Warner wrote about the Christmas holiday season in 1884. He quotes “We have saved out of the past nearly all that was good in it”. There is no doubt that Christmas as we know it today is better than the holidays celebrated in the past. At the mere mention of ivy, mistletoe or holly the visions of the Christmas holidays with all its wonderful memories comes rushing back into our minds. We see visions of snow covered hills, Christmas tree decorations, carolers singing with ringing brass bells and lighted outdoor Christmas decorations, lighting up the night sky. In the winter when most native plants lose their leaves, flowers and fruits, mistletoe, evergreens, holly and ivy are winter wonders for us to admire. No wonder these winter delights were used as decorations to brighten up the cold days of winter.
Native Plants Become Christmas Decorations.
Mistletoe has a special meaning for the Christmas holiday season. The hanging mistletoe in the doorways creates many diversions and plots from friends to receive a special kiss under a mistletoe ball. The mistletoe kissing tradition comes from a Norse myth. Frigga who was one of the gods gave her son Balder a charm of mistletoe so he would be protect from the elements. Since mistletoe grows on trees and does not grow from the water, the earth, from the fire or the air it held the power to harm him. An arrow made of mistletoe from one of the other struck Balder down, and his mother cried tears of white berries. The tears brought her son back to life and she vowed to kiss anyone who rested beneath the mistletoe plant. So this is how the mistletoe kissing tradition began. In the early days mistletoe was called the all-healer in Celtic speech. There are traces in Britain of the sacredness of mistletoe as well as holly. In other European countries mistletoe is believed to possess marvelous healing powers for sickness. Mistletoe is even recognized as a power for averting misfortune. It was also believed to be the remedy against poisons. Mistletoe is also believed to make barren animals fruitful.
Holly was also believed to have magical powers and even have the ability to drive demons away. In German many considered holly to be a good luck charm against the hostile forces of nature. A Shropshire custom chose to leave the holly and ivy up until Candlemas, the mistletoe was left up and preserved until the next holiday season. The hanging mistletoe remained so that good fortune would follow the household till the next holiday season. In the early days food was also central for holiday decorations. As the Christmas season grew near huge batches of candies, cookies and sweet fruits were prepared for both food and as Christmas Decorations. Not all the early Christmas decorations in the home came from the kitchen. Surrounding woods and fields provided an abundance of flowers, pods, straw and foliage for Christmas Decorations to.
Holiday Decorations Become Popular Outside the Home.
As early as the fifteenth century, Stow’s of London noted that the Christmas custom in every household, parish and church was to be decked with items of ivy, bays, holm and other seasonal greens. Many of the elders in England will recall the old English mode of church decor of sprigs of holly and yew stuck into the high pews making the churches a miniature forest during the holiday season. In London the Christmas decor extended outside as well when the city light poles, standards were decorated with holiday decorations. Christmas trimming evolved next into homemade trimmings of knots of bright ribbon, beads, lace and paper stars. Lace decorated bags were filled with candies. Seeds, berries, nuts, popcorn and other homemade materials civilized the wild beauty of the holidays past. The stringing of popcorn and cranberries can still be seen on Christmas trees today. Even artificial popcorn and cranberries can be purchased in Christmas stores today. Tree decor has grown by great strides in the past century, making the creative and inspirational holiday decorating more delightful.
About the Author
Joe has specialized in Christmas Decorations for over 25 years. Select to view his
Christmas Decorations Ideas
. Joe also has a great selection of
Outdoor Christmas Decorations
for you to select from.
German Brass Christmas Oratorio BWV248_No 64
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Crystal Apple Paperweight $20.00 CRYSTAL APPLE PAPERWEIGHT This crystal paperweight, uniquely carved into an apple is sure to make a most precious gift. Crafted with prism like geometric cuts, this apple looks authentic. The brass-plated stem and leaves on top give it just that finishing touch! It is perfect as an original party favor or corporate gift. This adorable crystal apple paperweight looks “edible and ready to bite into!… |
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Angel Chimes $9.95 Recall the joy of holidays past with the delicate tinkling sounds of our brass Angel Chimes. The heat from the candles spins the angels, causing them to lightly tap the bells. A charming gift, it will be enjoyed and remembered by young and old alike. Comes with four white candles. Size 12″H… |
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Biedermann & Sons Small Brass Chamberstick Candle Holders, Box of 6 $20.90 Set of 6 small Chamberstick Candle Holders. Use together to create a striking display. Biedermann & Sons have been offering the most distinctive candles, candle accessories, Christmas Commemoratives and giftware since 1956 — and we have been the U.S. Distributor for Mats Jonasson Royal Swedish crystal since 2007…. |
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It’s Time $5.55 Michael Bublé’s assured debut and the tireless year of globe-trotting touring he spent promoting it elevated the 20-something Vancouver native into the first rank of pop crooner revivalists. His sophomore studio follow-up largely turns on the same formula that helped make his considerable vocal prowess so attractive to mainstream audiences, mixing the nigh flawless, if expected Sinatra-channeling… |
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Pachelbel’s Greatest Hit: Canon in D $5.97 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
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The Antiphonal Music of Gabrieli $4.21 Venice was a good place to be in the 17th century if you liked to hang out in church–not that you had much choice in those days. Gabrieli’s reputation rests on his “polychoral” compositions: works for several choirs, a choir being any size group of voices or instruments. For example, a sacred composition for three choirs might have two brass groups and one chorus, or two choruses and one bra… |
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Christmas Experiment [VHS] $12.98 … |
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Christmas Tree Lights On/off Control Ornament $9.99 Christmas Tree Lights On/Off Control Ornament. Simply touch the brass ornament to turn christmas tree lights onn and off. No more messing with hard to reach electrical plugs and outlets. Controls up to 1200 minature Christmas tree lights(600 Watts). For indoor use only…. |
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Westek 6043C 200W 3-Level Holiday Ornament Touch Dimmer, Brass/Black $12.42 This decorative brass snowflake converts lights to 3 way touch dimming. Hang decorative brass snowflake ornament anywhere on Christmas tree and touch it to turn lights On/Off and dim. 1st touch = low; 2nd touch = medium; 3rd touch = high, 4th touch = off. Just plug lights into dimmer and dimmer into outlet. Ends crawling under Christmas tree or behind furniture to plug and unplug lights. 200 Watts… |
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Damascus El Dorado Skinner 10.25 inch Hunting and Skinning Knife with all natural Sambar Stag Antler Handle, Brass Pommel and Genuine Leather Sheath $59.70 Damascus steel was first used to make swords that were famous as the best in the world and is legendary for its strength and sharpness since it was invented in the Middle East around 900 A.D. Today?s Damascus knife blades are just as strong and sharp as the ancient Damascus swords, and the DM1043 Damascus Skinner is no exception, delivering both beauty AND superior performance at an affordable pri… |
