December is fast approaching and Christmas is nigh.
And there’s no Christmas decoration more popular for gift giving than a snow glob. It’s festive, it’s unique, and it fits inside a Christmas stocking.
But who invented the snow globe? What’s its history?
Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about the history of the beautiful snow globe!
Who Invented the Snow Globe?
Erwin Perzy is credited as the inventor of the snow globe. An Austrian inventor and ingenious craftsman, Perzy created the first snow globe in 1900.
He first discovered the idea while trying to improve the lighting of his surgical lamps. Which at the time were made with water-filled glass bulbs. And then, eureka!
Realizing the reflective properties of the water under the light, he used the same principle to create a simple snow globe with a mechanical device. His design included a rotating mechanism that made clouds of silver dust and snowflakes swirl inside the globe.
They were made depicting holiday scenes or a popular attractions from nearby areas. Soon, his invention proved so popular that he opened up his shop dedicated to making handmade snow globes.
The Early 1900s
During this time, snow globes were mainly used as paperweights. Made out of clear glass and filled with water, glycerin, and glittery white flakes that were meant to look like snow.
Customers could choose which type of figurine they wanted inside the globe. Usually, people chose representations of the popular characters and figures of the time. Perzy’s globes quickly became a sought-after collector’s item.
The Mid to Late 1900s
While it was Perzy who invented the snow globe, it was Franz Anton Ismar of Austria who is credited with manufacturing the first commercial snow globe. Many companies followed his lead.
By the mid to late 1900s, a significant wave of businesses began designing and manufacturing these beautiful, unique snow globes for the holiday season.
The popularity of these pieces soon spread to the United States, where they quickly gained favor with popular celebrities and dignitaries. And snow globes became American Christmas decoration staples.
Snow Globes Today
Snow globes come in various shapes, sizes, and designs today. They often depict holiday themes, characters, or famous landmarks. But the classic snow globe style—the traditional white, swirling snow—still predominates.
They are popular collectibles and gifts during the holiday season. So if you’re looking to collect or if you want to gift one to a friend, you can find unusual snow globes here. The website offers unique snow globes that only a few people worldwide have.
Now You Know!
The invention of the snow globe in the early 1900s revolutionized how people shared and cherished their holiday memories. And while it doesn’t snow inside snow globes, its unique sentimentality still captivates the imaginations of people today.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up a snow globe for yourself to celebrate the holiday season.
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