Episode 46: Ornaments of Meaning
SUMMARY
Discover history of Christmas ornaments in Milo and Olivia's podcast! Learn how this German tradition symbolizes hope and fosters family connections. From early handmade items to glass baubles, ornaments celebrate memories and stories that strengthen bonds.
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PODCAST NOTES
Title: Ornaments of Meaning
Hosts: Milo Curtis and Olivia Curtis
Download the Companion Notes PDF
INTRODUCTION
Ever wonder why we hang ornaments on our Christmas Trees? In this podcast, Milo and Olivia explore the history of ornaments and how this timeless tradition can produce shared meaning for our families.
HISTORY OF THE ORNAMENT
The idea of decorating a tree for Christmas began in Germany, where they used to add fruits and nuts to trees once the leaves fell off to symbolize the promise of spring to come.
But in 1605, a fur tree was brought inside and adorned with paper roses, candles, nuts, and fruits, which was groundbreaking! The idea of decorating a tree indoors took off and spread across Germany.
In the 1800s, German immigrants brought the tradition to America, who made their own interpretations. Early ornaments were made out of whatever items that families had available to them – fruit (especially apples), nuts, strings of popcorn and cranberries, paper streamers, candles, and metal foil. They really came to show off American inventiveness.
Hans Greiner started making glass ball ornaments (called baubles) during the 1800s, which became the first manufactured Christmas ornaments. In the late 19th century, the enterprising F.W. Woolworth brought the idea to America, where he sold more than $25 million worth per year.
Eventually, manufacturers began using injection molding (injecting molten material into a mould) with plastic materials, which allowed for a variety of other shapes and sizes.
Source: https://christmashq.com/decorations/ornaments/
FINDING MEANING WHEN HANGING ORNAMENTS
Mark Progress - ornaments can help us remember significant moments with family members, fostering emotional ties.
Share the Family story - ornaments can serve as reminders of family stories and histories, facilitating the passing down of traditions.
Strengthen Family Connections - ornaments can cultivate sharing and reminiscing that deepen family relationships.
CONTACT US at hello@thisresilientsoul.com. We are always looking for ways to deepen the quality and expand the impact of this podcast. So if you have some ideas on how we can do that we welcome your input.
Theme Music: Love Poem by Soyb