Our Turtle Dove and Holly Ornaments are 4¼ inches across and 5 inches long and hang from a gold cord. This ornament consists of a Turtle Dove resting on a Holly sprig, decorated with clear acrylic beads and clear rhinestones. The Holly Leaves and the body and wings of the Turtle Dove are Capiz Shells. The Capiz Shells are in gold settings with gold wire decorations. Select this link to view our Capiz Shell Christmas Ornaments.
The Christmas RoseChristmas Rose is an English plant regarded as a true Christmas flower. It is sometimes called the Snow or Winter Rose. It blooms in the depths of winter in the mountains of Central Europe. Legend say there was a modest shepherd maiden named Madelon who tended her sheep one cold and wintry night when wise men and other shepherds passed by thd field where she was. The wise men carried the rich gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense and the shepherds carried fruits, honey and doves. Poor Madelon began to cry at the thought of having nothing to offer the tiny babe, not even a simple flower for she was very poor. As she stood there crying, an angel saw her sorrow, and brushed the tears from her feet to reveal a most beautiful white flower tipped with pink which became the Christmas rose. Select this link to view our Gold and Cream Ornaments.
The Christmas Crib
In the year 1220 St, Francis of Assissi visited Bethlehem. He was so impressed with the way Christmas was celebrated there, that he asked the Pope for permission to recreate it in his own village in Italy. Select this link to view our Gold Ornaments.
He built a manger in a cave and placed a stone image of the baby Jesus in it. He surrounded the manger with real animals and said a Mass. The people who came felt as though they had been at the actual birth of the Baby Jesus. Select this link to view our Christmas Ornament Sets.
Before long, wooden nativity scenes were displayed in churches and homes across Europe. Today they continue to be popular as a way of reminding us that Christmas is really about the birth of Christ. Select this link to view our Angel Ornaments.
The tradition was brought into Spain from Naples. In Catalonia, a figure is included that represents a Catalan peasant. In Provence, in the South of France, nativity scenes use small clay figurines called Santon, which represent the traditional trades and professions of old Provence. The Santons are then collected as art or craft objects. Select this link to view our Crystal Christmas Ornaments.