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About Decorative Hanging Glass Balls

Teresa Moore

According to Kugelhouse.com, the glass balls now commonly found in gardens once played a role in the dining habits of the wealthy. By placing a glass sphere on a table or counter, servants could use it to monitor a diner's needs without looking directly at him.

History

This fiery, hand-blown glass ball reflects the light around it.

Gazing balls date back to 13th century Venice, Kugelhouse.com explains. The first commercially sold glass ornament, made in 1848 in Germany, was called a kugel, which means, "ball." It wasn't until 1880 that these ornaments made their way to stores in America. In the U.S., collectors may call them friendship balls, gazing balls or witch balls.

Features

Regardless of their name, these decorative hanging spheres feature hand-blown glass. Usually hollow, witch balls sparkle from the glass strands strung inside of them, while swirls of colored glass may adorn the outside layer.

Uses

People using small kugels as seasonal decorations typically hang them from trees or the ceiling during the Christmas holidays. These decorative glass balls can add color by hanging in a front yard, sitting in a stand or floating in a pond.