Christmas is associated with colours of red, green and white worldwide. A snow globe is a decorative item that combines all these colours and spreads cheer. Christmas Snow globes contain small figurines in water, and when shaken, artificial snow falls over the figurines. In this article, we will look at the history, types and making of snow globes and how they have become iconic Christmas decor items.
History of Snow Globes
Christmas Snow globes originated in the late 19th century in Germany. The first snow globe was created by Franz Taubert in 1893 in Berlin for this Christmas Fair. It contained a miniature representation of the Charlottenburg Palace inside water. When shaken, it produced a “snowstorm”. Soon after, snow globes became popular Christmas decorations and gifts across Europe and America. They were especially trendy through the 1900s and remain synonymous with Christmas festivities.
Types of Snow Globes
There are different types of Christmas snow globes available based on their motifs. Some common ones contain nativity scenes depicting Baby Jesus, the three wise men and animals. Other popular designs include snowmen, Santa Claus, Christmas trees and winter landscapes. Advanced snow globes may have LED lights, music or motion. Themed snow globes have become popular too, like ones related to movies like Frozen featuring Elsa and Olaf or Harry Potter snow globes with Hogwarts. Miniature towns or cities submerged are also unique snow globes.
Materials and Making of Snow Globes
Traditional snow globes are made up of spaced spherical or square-shaped glass. In the base is placed a plastic figurine or model relating to Christmas. The liquid inside is usually water mixed with glycerin to give it a slushy consistency and prevent settling.
Very fine glitter or plastic flakes are used to mimic falling snow. It is sealed shut, and the globe shakes to swirl the snow around. More modern variations use resin or plastic as a lightweight material. Multi-use LED bulbs provide additional functions like light or music.
Popularity and Display of Snow Globes
Christmas Snow globes emerged as must-have window and mantelpiece decorations during Christmas in the 20th century. Their charming snowstorm scenes inside captivated people of all ages. While basic designs remain top sellers, intricate snow globes with extra elements have become collector’s items.
With Globalization, Christmas snow globes portraying landmarks and attractions worldwide have boosted their appeal as souvenirs. Now digitised, snow globes featuring movies, TV shows and games extend their audience. They continue spreading nostalgia and holiday cheer when placed centrally on fireplaces or Christmas trees during winter.
Evolution of Snow Globe Designs
Over the decades, snow globe designs have evolved from basic nativity scenes and winter landscapes. New technologies allowed extra elements like LED lights and music. Customisable globes let people add their trinkets and photos. Nostalgic globes pay tribute to movies, TV shows and video games.
Intricately detailed miniatures of famous landmarks are sold as souvenirs. Digital snow globes provide animated scenes on tablets. While traditional designs persist, innovative designs expand snow globes’ appeal.
Importance of Collecting Snow Globes
Certain snow globes have become valuable collectables—first-edition snow globes from the early 1900s command high prices. Limited edition globes celebrating special events are sought after. Collector community shares tips online on globes worth investing in. Care is taken to prevent damage from sunlight, heat or shaking. Collectors display prized globes in lighted cabinets and catalogue their collections. Snow globes marking significant milestones in pop culture become highly coveted by avid collectors.
Maintenance and Storage of Snow Globes
Proper maintenance protects the globes’ glass and contents. Dusting gently with a dry, soft cloth suffices. Water changes every 2-3 years and uses distilled water to prevent mineral buildup. Loose lids are retightened to avoid leaks. Globes are packed carefully during moves using bubble wrap or foam to avoid breakages. Dark, temperature-controlled storage preserves globes when they are not on display. Old globes with cloudy water benefit from boiling water treatments. These steps sustain snow globes’ appeal for many holiday seasons.
How to Create Snow Globe Memories
Custom snow globes help create special memories each Christmas. Families select figurines depicting treasured moments to encapsulate. Photos inside capture priceless instances for future generations. Giving unique snow globes as gifts cements relationships—personalised globes honour milestones like birth and retirement using chosen themes. Snow globes let nostalgia linger; joy resurfaces each time they are shaken. DIY workshops offer the chance for kids and seniors to construct snow globes together, building priceless bonds.
New Trends in Snow Globe Designs
Contemporary snow globe designs reflect new trends. Minimalist white snow globes appeal to millennial tastes. Pop culture snow globes tied to popular movies and series drive fandom sales. Globes personalise special moments to commemorate anniversaries. Biodegradable snow globe gifts lessen environmental impact.
Modular globes let users swap base backdrops for creative expression. Snow globes double as night lights using USB charging. Compact travel snow globes fit any décor when on the go. Digital snow globes projected onto walls bring scenes alive at the touch of a button.
Winter Festivals Depicted in Snow Globes
Different seasonal celebrations worldwide find portrayal inside snow globes. Christmas markets brimming with stalls, carousels are recreated in glass spheres. New Year’s snow globes capture iconic countdowns and fireworks. Hanukkah globes depict Jewish houses aglow with menorah lamps. Kwanzaa varieties symbolise African harvest traditions.
Russian snow globes mark Orthodox Troica celebrations and Maslenitsa. Vibrant globes capture global winter festivities across diverse cultures and religions in a harmonised spirit of togetherness.
Corporate Snow Globe Gifts and Promotions
Snow globes function as memorable business giveaways promoting companies and events. Miniature logos and products elicit goodwill amongst the consumer base. Unique globes distributed enhance customer experiences. Trade shows distribute commemorative globes bearing the convention year and themes.
Hotels worldwide gift locale snow globes to guests, extending hospitality. Destination marketing organisations use snow globes to promote winter tours and attractions. Non-profit drives utilise snow globes bearing inspiring messages to mobilise donations. Such corporate tokens reinforce brands in the festive spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How long has the snow globe tradition been around?
Ans 1: Christmas Snow globes were invented in Germany in the late 1800s and became popular Christmas decorations across Europe and America in the early 1900s. So, the snow globe tradition has been around for over a century.
Q2. What are snow globes made of?
Ans 2: Traditional snow globes are made of glass with a plastic figurine enclosed in water mixed with glycerin. Fine glitter is added to mimic falling snow. More modern versions use lightweight resin or plastic materials, along with LED lighting in some cases.
Q3. Why are snow globes associated with Christmas?
Ans 3: In the late 19th century, when snow globes were invented, they depicted winter scenes along with motifs related to Christmas, like nativity scenes, Santa Claus, and Christmas trees. As they spread worldwide, snow globes enhanced the magical winter wonderland feel of Christmas through their snow flurries when shaken. This association has remained strong over decades.
Q4. How are snow globes displayed?
Ans 4: Snow globes are classic decor pieces that charm window sills, mantelpieces, Christmas trees and fireplaces during the festive season. Their wintery motifs come alive when the snow inside swirls, spreading nostalgia. Distinctive snow globes may also be collected and displayed as decorative showpieces year-round.
Conclusion
Christmas Snow globes have remained an iconic element of Christmas celebrations for over a century. While traditional designs remain popular, snow globes today depict various winter scenes, characters and landmarks worldwide. Whether basic or intricate collectables, snow globes make every home feel more festive when placed in central areas during Christmas. Their timeless magic lies in transporting everyone to a winter wonderland through the swirling artificial snow inside whenever shaken. Snow globes continue to enthral people of all ages and spread holiday merriment every Christmas season.
