Reflective balls - the nostalgic highlights on the Christmas tree

A hand-blown reflex ball belongs to the Thuringian Christmas and is pure nostalgia. Among the Christmas tree balls, the reflex ball is something very special. Reflex means "reflection". This kind of Christmas tree decoration beautifully reflects the lights of the Christmas tree and the candles of the Christmas room.

How is a Christmas bauble with reflex made?
Making tree ornaments with reflex requires a lot of experience and craftsmanship. The glassblowers in the glass manufactory of the Christmas station Sitzendorf make the baubles according to old patterns. The beginning of the manufacturing process is the same for reflex baubles as for a conventional Christmas tree ball. The glassblower blows the ball according to old custom at about 800 degrees Celsius in an open gas flame.

Then, however, comes the decisive work step that ensures the magnificent reflection on the ball. The reflection ornament is pierced into the still hot glass. This is where the term "piercing ball" comes from. Think of the reflective ornament like the reflector of a car headlight, only more delicate, subtle and playful. Ambient light is mirrored and reflected hundreds of times by the silver-plated mirror surfaces. This results in fantastic lighting effects in the Christmas living room. The wonderful radiance of the reflective Christmas tree baubles makes for wonderful sparkle and shine on the Christmas tree. By the way, Christmas tree tops are also decorated with these glittering ornaments.

Many bright colors for the Christmas tree
We have been manufacturing this type of Christmas baubles in our glass blowing workshop for three generations. Decades of experience ensure the outstanding quality of our Thuringian handicraft goods. The idea of the Christmas ball with reflector originated more than one hundred years ago in the neighboring village of Lauscha. The Lauscha glassblowing tradition had quickly found its way to us in the neighboring Schwarza Valley and is kept alive here.