A History Of The Reed & Barton Cross
A Look At The Reed & Barton Cross
For 49 years, people have anticipated the newest edition of the Reed & Barton Christmas Cross. There is more to their enthusiasm than the satisfaction of adding to their collections.
Like traditional holiday recipes or gift-giving rituals, the reappearance of treasured ornaments cheers the soul. Unwrapping them and taking careful inventory brings to mind the stories attached to them, especially when they’ve been passed down for generations. Arranging them on Christmas trees, mantels, wreaths or gift boxes is one of the year’s most pleasant pastimes.
The First Ornaments
Germans of the 16th century get credit for innovating decorated Christmas trees as we know them today, and it is believed that Protestant reformer Martin Luther was the first to light one with candles.
Christmas trees gained popularity in America in the late 1800s. The first ornaments were baked goods or homemade trinkets, but German immigrants began making reusable decorations. The practice quickly caught on. With the advent of Christmas tree lights in 1880, ornament makers started to use materials that reflected their twinkle.
Silver ornaments became an especially popular choice in the 1970s. Silver’s durability makes it ideal for years of decorating, and its reflective luster is enhanced by the deep green boughs and glowing lights of a Christmas tree.