Christmas Legends and Ornament Stories
The New World is represented in Christmas legend by only one plant - the poinsettia, which is indigenous to Central America and tropical Mexico.
Poinsettia was introduced into North America by Joel Roberts Poinsett, Ambassador to Mexico between 1825 and 1829. When Poinsett, an amateur horticulturist, returned to his home in Greenville, South Carolina, he brought cuttings of the plant with him, which he cultivated in his greenhouse and distributed to other horticulturists. Since that time, poinsettias has been successfully grown in thirty-six states. In Hawaii, one sees not only potted poinsettia, but bushes and small trees!
The lovely red, white, pink, yellow and marbled speckled "flower" is not the flower at all, but colored "leaves" known as bracts. The actual flower is the insignificant cluster of yellow berries (cyathis) centered in the middle of the bracts. Contrary to popular thinking, the poinsettia is not poisonous, but neither is it meant for human consumption. Allergic reactions to the plant are not infrequent.
The Legend of the Poinsettia
One Christmas Eve, long, long ago, there was a poor Mexican child named Pepita who was on her way to church. Pepita began to cry because she had no gift to leave before the altar of the Virgin and Child. Through her tears, she saw an Angel, who instructed her to gather a bunch of weeds from the roadside. When the child arrived at the altar with her wilted offering, starry crimson blossoms burst forth from every stem. Pepita was so happy she jumped up and down for joy over the transformation of her simple gift of weeds to beautiful Flores de Noche Buena, (Flowers of the Holy Night), or poinsettia.
Another lovely holiday plant is the Christmas Rose.
The Christmas Rose blooms in depths of winter in the mountains of Central Europe. Known also as the Snow Rose and the Winter Rose, it is a true Christmas flower. Legend links this lovely flower with the birth of the Christ Child and a little shepherdess named Madelon.
The Legend of The Christmas Rose
Madelon, the little shepherd girl, was tending her father's sheep on a cold and wintry night. It was very lonely in the hills, especially when the flock was sleeping. Madelon spent much time looking into the night sky, and making song. On this one particular night she heard camel bells as the animals climbed the mountainous and snow covered paths toward her. The Wise Men and other shepherds passed her with their gifts for the Christ Child. The Wise Men carried gold, frankincense and myrrh. The shepherds bore fruits, honey and nuts.
Madelon, upon hearing where they were going, began to cry as she had nothing to give to the Baby. An Angel seeing her tears brushed away the snow revealing a most beautiful white flower tipped with pink - The Christmas Rose - which Madelon lovingly gave to the Holy Infant, who smiled at her.
While there are numerous other legends of length, the magic and traditions of Christmas can be found in micro stories also. The following examples come from Old World Christmas, a premium source for fine German glass ornaments. An Old World ornament can be identified by a classic brass hanging star at its top:
1. The Chimney Sweep Ornament
During cold weather the chimney sweep, dressed in his traditional black clothing and high top hat, was always kept quite busy. German folklore tells us that the chimney sweep brought good luck to any person whom he happened to touch, so his presence was always desired at Christmas time, in particular.
2. The Rabbit Ornament
The rabbit is a legendary figure during Christmas as well as at Easter, though not usually associated with the winter holy day. At Christmas the rabbit represents man and the renewal of man's faith in Christ.
3. The Carrot Ornament
An old world ornament, the carrot, has gained popularity in today's blown glass ornaments. Long, long ago the carrot ornament was much loved in Germany as a traditional gift for a bride. It was thought that it would bring good luck to the new bride's kitchen. The original molds for the carrot ornament were lost during the division of Germany following World War II. Fortunately, for collectors and lovers of unusual ornaments, the original molds were found after Germany's reunification.
4. The Glass Bird's Nest Ornament
Bird's nest ornaments are symbols of good luck. Legend has it that prosperity will come to any home that finds a bird's nest nestled among the branches of the family's Christmas tree. As a promise of this good fortune, glassblowers produced exquisite ornaments replicating this fortuitous symbol. Considered synonymous with home, happiness and joy, birds and their nests can be found on every traditional German Christmas tree.
5. The Glass Basket Ornament
Baskets of Christmas goodies, candies and flowers, given as gifts, are a traditional means of expressing one's affection for others at Christmas. According to German legend, baskets were a symbol of plentiful good wishes for friends and family. Gifts of baskets filled with treats were often grand expressions of the care the giver felt towards the recipient. Glass basket ornaments were ultimately created by skilled German glassblowers to represent the Christmas spirit of selfless giving.
6. The Glass Angel Ornament
Angels are thought to be intermediaries of God and our link to the mystical kingdom of heaven. Symbolizing purity, peace and love, angels represent a comforting presence for all of us. It is said they brought us news of peace through the coming of the Christ child, a gift from God for all people on earth. Angels have always been an integral part of Christmas traditions worldwide. Angel forms were often created with sweet cherubic faces, which represented the daughters of the glassblowers.
7. The Glass Star Ornament
Star ornaments originated as a symbol of guidance and faith, representing the Star of Bethlehem which led the Magi to the manger where Christ was born. Brilliant stars are frequently placed above a creche or atop the Christmas tree as part of cherished family traditions. It is thought that the Star ornament originated in Germany.
Whatever the ornament, it surely hold even one tiny story. Preserve the stories of your personal ornaments. Write them in a journal for all of those who will come after you.
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