HOMES EXTRA
Did you know that tinsel was originally a status symbol? Or that tree baubles were first popularised by Queen Victoria? In the second part of our series on Christmas decorations, Hanna Prince explores the origins of modern festive ornaments
ALL THAT D
ecorating houses and public buildings with greenery has been a midwinter tradition for thousands of years – but it wasn’t until Christmas trees were introduced in 16th century Germany that ornaments, lights and other custom-made decorations began to become popular. From tinsel and baubles to crackers and stockings, the history of our favourite decorations is full of festive fascination.
TINSEL Whether you hang it around the Christmas tree, twist it around the banisters or use it to give gift-wrapped presents a bit of extra sparkle, tinsel is a part of almost every festive tradition. That wasn’t always the case – until the 20th century, this glittery Christmas garland was a luxury that only the most well-heeled families were able to afford. Tinsel was invented in the early 17th century and originally it was made from extruded strands of silver. Early tinsel was used
to adorn sculptures, but by the 19th century upper class families were adding it to their Christmas trees and using it to represent starry skies over model Nativity scenes. Attempts to manufacture a cheaper version from tin and copper were curtailed by the demands of the First World War. It wasn’t until the 1950s that
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