The origin of Christmas baubles in Moselle: Tradition, History and Creations 2024
Discover the origin of Christmas baubles: a Moselle tradition
Born in Moselle in 1858, glass Christmas baubles perpetuate a unique know-how. Every year, craftsmen reinvent this tradition with creations that combine heritage and modernity. Discover the history of Moselle Christmas baubles.
Christmas baubles, a tradition born in Moselle
Do you know why we hang ornaments on the branches of Christmas trees?
The tradition of decorating trees to celebrate Christmas dates back to the 11th century. Back then, red apples were hung on the branches, symbolizing the Tree of Paradise.
The first decorated Christmas trees, resembling our contemporary trees, emerged in the 15th century. In addition to apples, sweets and small cakes were added, a tradition that quickly took hold and lasted until 1858 when the fruit trees in Lorraine failed to produce any fruit due to a severe drought.
A glassblower from Goetzenbruck then had a brilliant idea: he began to blow red apples out of glass. Thus began the tradition of glass Christmas ornaments, created thanks to local craftsmanship.
This innovation quickly gained popularity, and glass ornaments began to replace apples on the trees, marking a significant turning point in Christmas celebrations.
These Christmas ornaments, rooted in Lorrainian craftsmanship, continued to be produced in Goetzenbruck until 1964 when the glassworks ceased production, leaving this precious tradition forgotten.
Fortunately, in 1992, the International Center for Glass Art (CIAV) was established in the former glassworks of Meisenthal, reviving this local tradition.
Each year, the CIAV invites an artist to design a new ornament, skillfully blending the rich Lorrainian heritage with contemporary aesthetics that appeal to collectors and lovers of unique items.
Since 2010, the Lehrer crystal factory has also continued the tradition of crystal craftsmanship, offering a collection of colorful, finely crafted crystal Christmas ornaments. Many shades are available, and each ornament is hand-blown for a truly unique result.
The 2024 Editions of Christmas Ornaments
Meisenthal
Each year, a new ornament designed by an invited artist reinforces the tradition while adding a contemporary touch.
For previous editions: “Stella,” designed by Jean-Simon Roch (2023), “Extra,” designed by Nicolas Verschaeve (2022), “Piaf,” designed by Harmonie Begon & the Tits (2021).
2024: Kaktus, Christmas on the balcony, by Mark Braun.
“I had a lot of fun imagining the scenario of a Christmas in the future in our regions, with its winter rituals slipping into a tropical context? Barbecued turkey, children singing ‘My beautiful cactus’ and Santa's sleigh pulled by camels!”
And so Kaktus was born, an abstract and poetic reminder of the prickly pear, with its little seeds and thorns dotting the surface of its skin.
Lehrer
The crystal factory always plays on strong, established images associated with the Christmas imagination, with previous editions featuring ornaments like “Santa Claus” (2023), “The Bell” (2022), and “The Gingerbread Man” (2021).
In 2024, the new model takes the shape of a charming Christmas tree, perfectly suited for collectors’ Christmas trees. Its refined design captures and reflects light, creating a sparkling atmosphere. A unique ornament that will enhance your tree with style and magic.
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