Nationwide Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Production of Hand-Blown Glass Tree Ornaments in Lauscha
The Christmas tree ornaments are silver-plated from the inside, dipped in lacquer and painted with various colours and motifs. Over time, they have been adapted to changing fashion trends.
Facts & Figures
- Crucial date: Throughout the year
- Inscription: 2021
- Domain: Social practices, rituals and festive event; Knowledge and practice concerning nature and the universe; Traditional craftsmanship
- Where to find: Lauscha (and worldwide)
The hand-blown glass Christmas tree ornaments with their typical glass baubles silver-plated from the inside were developed 200 years ago in Lauscha. Before that, craftsmen in Lauscha and the surrounding area produced hollow glass beads that were strung into chains. This custom led to the development of glass Christmas tree ornaments.
5000 different shapes
Initially, shapes such as apples, pears and nuts were common, followed later by fir and icicles, flowers or birds. Today, there are about 5000 different shapes, including angels, houses, fruit baskets, lanterns and bells. This great variety of Christmas tree decorations is mostly produced by small family businesses in Lauscha.
Heritage and tradition
The production methods, which have remained virtually unchanged to this day, were once passed on exclusively in a domestic environment. Today, the local vocational school in Lauscha supports the further development of the technique and several local associations volunteer their time to pass on the craftsmanship to future generations.
