The bird’s nest ornament is a popular decorative item that has become a staple in many households during the Christmas season. These delicate ornaments resemble an actual bird’s nest, complete with twigs, grass, feathers, and sometimes eggs or baby birds. But beyond just looking pretty on the tree, these nests hold significance and meaning.
In this article, we will explore the history and origins of the bird’s nest ornament, look at common materials and styles, and uncover the symbolism and meaning behind these charming decorations. Whether displayed on the Christmas tree or given as a gift, these ornaments have become a beloved tradition for many families.
History and Origins
The history of the bird’s nest ornament dates back to 1880s Germany, where it was first created by the famous Lauscha glassblowers. Lauscha was known for its glass-making industry, and its artisans began producing beautiful glass ornaments in intricate shapes and colors in the mid-1800s.
Some consider the bird’s nest ornament to be inspired by the traditional Christmas pickle ornament, which also has German origins. The glassblowers may have wanted to expand on the nature theme by creating an ornament that resembled an actual bird’s nest.
The earliest bird’s nest ornaments were handblown from glass and incorporated elements like twigs, moss, and feathers. Real bird eggs were sometimes used too. The delicate ornaments were an instant hit across Europe and eventually made their way to the United States.
Germany continues to produce the most ornate and prized antique versions today, some dating back over 100 years. Vintage bird’s nest ornaments from Lauscha are highly sought after by collectors.
Common Materials and Styles
While antique bird’s nest ornaments are made of handblown glass, most modern versions are constructed from plastic, ceramic, or porcelain. Twigs are typically simulated using twisted wire to form the nest structure.
Here are some of the most common materials and styles:
– Plastic nests – Made from molded plastic, these affordable ornaments often have faux grass or feathers. Plastic allows for intricate shaping while keeping costs down.
– Ceramic/porcelain – Ceramic and porcelain nest ornaments have an elegant, glossy finish. They are delicate but sturdier than glass.
– Twigs – Wire twisted into spiral shapes mimics twigs and small branches. Coiled wire provides sturdiness.
– Moss – Fake moss made from various materials gives a realistic look. Polyester fluff or shredded green fabric are common.
– Feathers – Fake feathers, often made from polyester, add visual interest. Goose feathers with downy texture are popular.
– Eggs – Plastic or porcelain eggs resemble robin’s eggs. Some have painted speckles.
– Birds – Cheerful plastic baby birds like songbirds, owls and doves can “live” in the nest.
– Glitter – For added holiday flair, some nests feature twigs, moss, and edges coated in glitter.
– Wreaths – Nests are sometimes worked into the center of miniature wreath forms for hanging.
Symbolism and Meaning
So beyond just serving as a decorative tree ornament, what meaning and symbolism does the bird’s nest represent? Here are some of the common symbolic interpretations of these ornaments:
– Nurturing new life – Birds patiently build nests and nurture new life in the form of eggs. This reflects the Christmas season as a time to quietly reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ birth.
– Protective home – Nests provide shelter, comfort, and safety for growing baby birds. At Christmastime, people desire a warm, loving home environment.
– Appreciation for nature – Birds and their nests remind us that even the natural world participated in the joyous news of the Christ child’s arrival.
– Faith and spirituality – For the faithful, birds symbolically lifting their voices in song reflects offering praise to God. Nests remind us that faith can start small but grow.
– Hope and new beginnings – Eggs and baby birds represent hope, new life, and new beginnings, just as Christmas marks the beginning of salvation for Christians.
– Overcoming adversity – Building a nest from scratch takes patience and hard work. Birds prove that challenges can be overcome through perseverance.
– Family bonds – Baby birds cared for in a nest represent family togetherness and loving parental bonds, hallmarks of Christmas.
So in many ways, the bird’s nest ornament embodies core Christian values and important biblical themes. The ornament takes on richer meaning when viewed symbolically rather than just as a decorative accoutrement. It’s no wonder this ornament has become a beloved tradition on Christmas trees across many cultures.
Types of Bird’s Nest Ornaments
Bird’s nest ornaments come in diverse styles and can feature different species of birds. Here are some of the major types of bird’s nest ornaments:
Songbird Nest
– Features neutral-colored nests like tan, brown, or gray
– Twigs arranged in loose spiral shapes
– Eggs resemble small robin’s eggs
– May include cute plastic songbirds like sparrows, finches, or wrens
Owl Nest
– Moss or grass made from fluffy green fabric
– Feathers are white, gray, or brown
– May contain faux speckled owl eggs and baby owls
– Moss or lichen added for woodsy owl nest effect
Hummingbird Nest
– Very tiny and delicate looking
– Incorporates downy gray feathers and soft green moss
– Twigs mimic small branches
– May include teeny plastic hummingbird figures
Bluebird Nest
– Features bright blue eggs made of glass or plastic
– Blue painted twigs or blue feathers/accents
– Eggs may have light blue speckles
– Bluebirds perched on the edge of the nest
Cardinal Nest
– Eggs painted red with white speckles
– Red feathers mixed in the nest materials
– Red ribbon or accents on twigs
– Male and female cardinal birds in the nest
Dove Nest
– Neutral beige twigs and moss base
– Eggs are white porcelain or ceramic
– Small white feathers dotted around
– White doves figurines tucked inside
Making Your Own Bird’s Nest Ornaments
Want to try your hand at crafting your own bird’s nest ornaments? Here are some tips and tricks:
Supplies Needed
– Masking tape or florist tape to form twig shapes
– Scissors for cutting tape
– Hot glue gun
– Moss, shredded paper, or polyfil stuffing
– Spray paint in brown, black, or white for optional finishing touch
Instructions
1. Take a length of tape and begin twisting and curling it around your fingers to create twigs shapes. Add additional strips of tape as needed to build a tangled mass of “twigs.”
2. Once your twig nest base is complete, start hot gluing the twigs together in a circular form to create your nest bowl shape. Let fully cool and harden.
3. Add a bowl shape of stuffing material like moss, shredded paper, or polyfil to fill in the center of the nest. Glue in place.
4. Optional – Spray paint the twigs brown, black, or white for an ultra realistic nest look. Let dry fully.
5. Add any additional decorative elements like faux eggs, feathers, flowers, berries, or birds. Hot glue in place.
6. Finish by forming a hook with a piece of tape to create a hanger for the ornament.
Get creative with different stuffing textures, twig colors, and added decor. Handmade bird’s nest ornaments make great DIY holiday gifts, tree decor, or crafts for kids. Let your imagination fly!
Interesting Facts About Bird Nests
In addition to being a decorative ornament, the bird’s nest represents the incredible effort and architectural skill of actual birds in the wild. Here are some fascinating facts about real bird nests in nature:
– Nests can be made from a variety of materials including twigs, branches, moss, spiderwebs, feathers, grass, straw, and fur. Different birds have preferences.
– Many mating pairs work together to build the nests, though the female typically does more of the construction.
– Nest sizes range dramatically based on the bird species. Hummingbird nests can be tiny while eagle and osprey nests grow over 6 feet wide.
– The earliest known bird nest dates back 65 million years to the dinosaur age.
– Both males and females will help incubate eggs and care for the young in most bird species.
– Nest construction can take days or sometimes weeks depending on intricacy and complications.
– Birds may have to rebuild an entire new nest from scratch if a storm or predators ruin the first one.
– Nest placement is critical to bird safety and success raising young. Most try to find well-hidden, sheltered spots.
– Many birds exhibit high nest site fidelity, meaning they return to the exact same location year after year.
– Invasive bird species that steal nest sites from others are called “nest parasites.” The brown-headed cowbird is one example.
Conclusion
The beloved tradition of bird’s nest Christmas ornaments contains deeper symbolism than just being a pretty tree decoration. With origins going back to 1800s Germany, these handcrafted decorations combine artistry, nature, and meaning. Modern nest ornaments retain the heartwarming spirit of family, faith, and new beginnings.
As we gaze at a delicate ornamental nest with eggs or baby birds, we can be reminded of the true reason for the season – the gift of Jesus to the world. The Christmas tree serves as our sheltered nest, where loved ones gather to celebrate our savior’s arrival.