Wilton Historical Society’s Ornaments and Tree Traditions Workshop for Kids

Today, evergreen trees decked out in a colorful array of ornaments, garlands, shiny glass balls, all topped by a star, are a universal sign of the Christmas holiday, along with cards, wrapped gifts, wreaths, and Santa. According to Emma Powers of Colonial Williamsburg, “Most of the ways Americans celebrate the midwinter holiday came about in the 19th century… Decorations consisted of whatever natural materials looked attractive at the bleakest time of year–evergreens, berries, forced blossoms–and the necessary candles and fires… As for the tree, it is German in origin. ‘Tannenbaum’ gained acceptance in England and the United States only very slowly. The first written reference to a Christmas tree dates from the 17th century when a candle-lighted tree astonished residents of Strasbourg. I have found nothing recorded in the 18th century about holiday trees in Europe or North America.”

Museum educator Laurie Walker will discuss tree traditions and the history of ornaments. A penny rug inspired felt ornament is the workshop project. Snack of pretzels dipped in white chocolate.

Suggested for ages 6-12. Wilton Historical Society members cost is $10/child, maximum $25/family; non-members cost is $15/child, maximum $35/family. Please register via email or call 203.762.7257.

Did You Know?

According to Little House Home Arts, “Originally penny rugs were made from scraps of dark wool fabric or felt from used clothes and hats and were used as mats to clear mud and dirt off shoes. They were named penny rugs as they were made of three different sized circular medallions layered on top of each other. The top medallion was the size of a penny, though in the 1800’s pennies were larger than they are now. Sometimes pennies were actually sewn into them to help weight them down and make them lay flat… Eventually penny rugs evolved into a traditional and colorful folk art. Women used their remnants and scraps of wool from making clothes, or “turned” wool from used clothes to make their penny rugs. They would use bits of material too small to be used for strips for hooked rugs. Designs evolved from the simple circular medallions into colorful works of art with primitive appliquéd patterns of various animals, stars, hearts, flowers and other shapes. Personal and elaborate stories were communicated through them using designs that included people, their homes, various scenes and landscapes, thus transforming their scraps into wonderful works of art and story with elaborate stitching.”