Probably no one can imagine a Christmas tree without Christmas decorations. They are an integral part of the Christmas celebration, they come in different shapes, sizes, colors and often carry certain messages, and the fact that they hang on the branches of a Christmas tree has a special meaning.
Decorating Christmas trees is a beautiful and old tradition that started sometime in the 18th century in Germany. It gradually spread to Slovakia and other countries. At first, Christmas trees were decorated very simply. They hung above the table. Dried fruits, nuts, gingerbread, homemade and wrapped sweets, paper, wax, wooden or straw ornaments were the most typical decorations. Gradually, glass ornaments, blown into various shapes, crocheted and textile ornaments became more popular. Today, mainly from a practical point of view, plastic ornaments and many other things are more in demand.
However, in many households, despite the abundance of new trends, people like to return to traditions. Straw or wooden ornaments as well as handmade ornaments can be found on Christmas trees again. Wire decorations are also among the popular items. Tinkerers or tinsmiths are representatives of one of the oldest crafts that once flourished in Slovakia. It is similar to Christmas ornaments made of beeswax, which today come in various shapes and sizes. They are part of many Christmas trees, where they look charming and warm.
Trends and Colors
The Christmas trees of today have different shapes and are in different styles. However, it all depends on the ornaments. Not only retro, but also nostalgic vintage ornaments are popular, for example. And also, those created by recycling used materials. Many of these ornaments made of metal, are extremely attractive. As for colors, it’s no longer just the traditional colors of Christmas – red, gold or silver. Pastel colors and earthy tones – brown, dark green or copper – are also in the foreground. For some years now, white, and even elegance-breathing black have also been popular Christmas colors. For example, in a stylish combination with gold.
Shocking
The types of decoration are also changing. Once it was natural motifs that appeared on the trees – birds, bears, owls, fish, horses, cones, trees, various fruits, stars, toadstools and more. Miniature musical instruments, various figurines, bells, sleighs, birdhouses, and the like are also popular. Nowadays, Christmas designers go even further and there are also decorations that depict certain types of favorite foods, treats, and sweets.
You can even find well-known icons and symbols from social media, communication channels, and movies, as well as popular or common items from everyday life. There are also ornaments from famous entertainment or those that raise many questions in the viewer. The decorations that already look provocative, bold, and sometimes too extravagant have both their lovers and their detractors. Obviously, these ornaments have a certain message. After all, it was no different back then. Every ornament had its meaning and place. For example, did you know that the significance of cone-shaped ornaments lies in their closure? The individual cones look closed, which means the family should be together. Angels, on the other hand, have been hanging from trees for decades because they were perceived as carriers of light and hope.
Text: Daniel Košťál, photo: Daniel Košťál, Christmasworld, Bonami