Christmas balls

[sylvanlinda]

what is the origin of hanging balls on trees at yule?

[derbyram]

not 100% sure but I seem to recall that the practice comes from a winter pagan festival - where they wuold dress a tree up with 'fake fruit' to ensure a good crop in the following year.

[Wraith]

Quote from 'Ancient Wisdom' by Cassandra Eason:- These date back to early tribes who adorned the trees with blazing brands at the mid-winter solstice to persuade the sun to shine again. Lights, ornaments and offerings were hung on the trees in the groves, sacred to the Mother Goddesses who gave birth to the new sun and to pagan solar gods, such as Dionysius, who were reborn at this time. The druids hung golden apples on trees.

Hope this is of some help.

[robgebs]

Not sure either. But some of the ?Baubles? in my grandma's collection of decorations resemble the balls made of resin and stuffed with feathers that were used before the invention of clay pigeons!! When shot by a shot gun the pellets would remain in the resin and show how good a hit it was and the feathers came out to add the realism. I hope that answered your question about clay pigeon shooting.