
A snow globe is a favorite of many. It encloses a miniature version of famous scenery or landmarks. The city skyline of New York has become an iconic representation of the city. You will find several snow globes with famous New York landmarks. This transparent sphere is now a popular souvenir.
Also called a snow dome or water globe, it is a symbol of the joyous season. It mainly depicts the winter scene of picturesque locations or architectural beauties. Have you ever wondered where a snow globe has come from?
Read on to know the history of snow globes and what makes them a cherished memento.
History of Snow Globes
Origins
While the early years of snow globes are fuzzy, they can be traced back to the last phase of the 19th century. It was in Europe that similar objects first made an appearance. A local business of glassware designed paperweights that were hollow balls of water. They contained an umbrella man within.
A white powder gave a passable imitation of a snowstorm when you turn it upside down. They soon became popular in the 1880s.
Invention Story
The inventor of the proper snow globes is considered to be Erwin Perzy. It was by accident that this Austrian invented this beautiful creation.
A local surgeon in Vienna asked Perzy to make some improvements to the lightbulb. He wanted it to brighten the surgery room. Perzy got to work straight away. He used the shoemakers’ method in making spotlights.
He kept a glass globe full of water before a candle. With higher light magnification, it sprinkled tiny reflective glitter particles in the globe. It helped to brighten it. However, the spark vanished faster as glitter sinks quickly.
Perzy then tried using semolina flakes. Do not cheer yet; it did not work. Nevertheless, they ignited a brilliant idea for Perzy. Semolina flakes gave the appearance of tiny white particles swaying in the globe. It reminded him of snowfall.
He went ahead with the new idea, and through this emerged the cheerful snow globes. It was called Schneekugel back then. In 1905, he designed dozens of snow globes with his company, called Firm Perzy. Some featured church figurines that became a favorite of the aristocrats
Reaching American Shores
Word gradually spread to America. In 1927, Joseph Garaja from Pittsburgh gave it a new spin by introducing a new method. He used underwater assembly to fill the snow globe with liquid. It saved significant time and money in production.
It enabled snow globes to shift from being an expensive indulgence to an affordable commodity. Brands soon employed water globes for advertising. Moreover, they became instrumental in promoting civilian morale in World War II with tiny soldier figurines.
The 1950s took it a step further with innovations of injection molding and plastic productions. Cheaper flitters took over pricey particles that represented snow. Additionally, they fall slowly and gracefully, making it a delight to watch them twirl.
Souvenirs
Snow globes soon became popular souvenirs. They presented various figurines that attracted several consumers. In 1959, Walt Disney released a cute miniature Bambi snow globe.
Snow globes became a popular item in gift shops. This trend continues today as well.
Water globes feature iconic landmarks and other sceneries. You can find the landmark skyline in the water globe or snow globe in New York City.
Significance of a Snow Globe
The cherished trinket remains special for many. It can be because of your childhood adoration or aesthetic sense. By evoking the holiday cheer, it keeps the excitement and merriment of the season alive.
Snow globes are also popular among tourists. This delightful trinket is a staple in almost every gift shop. Landmark skyline in water globe or snow globe in New York City is a classic favorite for many. You can also find snow globes with other figurines such as the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge.
Musical snow globes are pleasing as well. They produce cheerful or soothing music that adds to the visual delight. It provides easy and brief entertainment that is perfect for bringing a smile to your face.
The whimsical miniatures they come along with are fascinating as well. It may tap childhood fantasies or some cherished memories. Souvenir snow globes ignite the reminiscence of your exciting and memorable trip.
Snow globes symbolize innocence, childhood, and happy times. It is packed with delight and twirls around snow particles happily.
A snow globe is not only fascinating by itself but also comes along with an exciting history. It emerged as a popular trinket with different wonderful figurines such as the city skyline of New York. You can take one home to cheer you up.