Christmas Kugels (2024)

"Kugel" is the name of heavy glass Christmas ornaments that were made in Germany from as early as 1840 to the early 1900s. Although the word kugel means "round ball" in German, original kugels were also made in the shape of grapes, apples, pears, pine cones, berries, tear drops and balls with melon-style ribs.

Original kugels are generally lined inside with silver. The outside colors are red, cobalt, blue, green, silver, gold and amethyst. There is a hole in the top of each ornament which is concealed by a brass cap. Caps may or may not have an embossed design. Caps are fastened to the ornament with a piece of wire with spread out legs. Circular hanging loops are usually fastened to the wire on the cap.

Identifying New Kugels

New kugels began appearing in the American market years ago in a national mail order catalog. The new pieces are made in old shapes such as round 2″ balls, grapes in 5″ and 3″ clusters, and a 2 1/8″ melon-ribbed ball. New kugels arrived from the wholesalers with a removable paper or cardboard label marked "Made in India."

The major difference between new and old is the glass around the hole in the top of the ornament. Old kugels (with the exception of very early pieces) were cut off the blowing iron virtually flush with the surrounding surface. New kugels are cut off the iron substantially above the surface of the ornament. The raised glass surrounding the hole is technically called a pike or spear but most collectors just say "neck" which is the term we'll use.

Tops of the new necks are very rough having a "cracked off" appearance. Generally, most old kugels have much smoother tops although this can vary with the skill in which the old ornament was made.

So far only three types of brass caps have been used on the new kugels. These are shown in Fig. 9. Any pieces with these particular embossed patterns should be considered suspect. The top wire and hanging loop on the new kugels arrives from the wholesaler already aged and rusted. The new brass caps also have an "antique" patina.

New kugels retailed for about $7.50. Originals sell for $50-300 with some rare examples selling for $1,000 and more.

CAUTION: Do not confuse kugels, which were made ca. 1840-1900 and are thick heavy glass, with the thin-walled glass ornaments made after 1918. Use the guidelines above for kugels only.

Jackie Chamberlain specializes in antique Christmas ornaments and holiday items. Jackie runs her business from Wickenberg, Arizona.

Christmas Kugels (1)

Fig. 1 Two new kugel glass ornaments.

Christmas Kugels (2)

Fig. 2 The glass around the top hole in a new kugel is raised but flush with the surface on old kugels. Brass caps in new kugels are raised up above the surface of the ornament; brass caps on old are nearly flush with the surface.

Christmas Kugels (3)

Fig. 3 (New) Kugels showing raised neck. Note that brass cap is raised about 1/4″ above surface of ornament. ACRN photo

Christmas Kugels (4)

Fig. 4 (Old) Figural Kugel; brass cap virtually flush with surface of ornament.

Christmas Kugels (5)

Fig. 5 (Old) Kugel showing brass cap virtually flush with surface of ornament Photo courtesy Collector Books, PO Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002; Christmas Collectibles, M & K. Whitmyer, © 1987.

Christmas Kugels (6)

Fig. 6 (New) Kugel Top of neck, cap removed. Note the roughness on top of neck typical of the new kugels. ACRN photo

Christmas Kugels (7)

Fig. 7 (Old) Kugel Top of neck, cap removed. Most necks on old kugels have smooth-finished tops on necks.

Figs. 4 & 7 courtesy Collector Books, PO Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002; Christmas Ornaments, Lights, Decorations George Johnson, © 1987.

Christmas Kugels (8)

Fig. 8 (New) The top wire, hanging loop and brass cap in new kugels are artifically aged. The new brass caps have a patina and the new top wire and hanging loops are rusted. ACRN photo

Christmas Kugels (9)

Fig. 9 (New) Close up of new brass caps. So far, all the new kugels have only these caps so make a note of them. Also be alert for old caps on the new kugels. ACRN photo

Christmas Kugels (10)

Fig. 10 (New) Kugels come from the importer with a removable "Made in India" paper or cardboard label. This example shown slightly larger than actual size. ACRN photo

Christmas Kugels (2024)

FAQs

How do you identify a kugel? ›

One way to identify kugels is by their enormous thickness of glass. This may go from one up to five millimeters, that is from 1/25" to 1/5". Before the invention of the Bunsen burner it was technically not possible to produce a thin-walled glass.

What is German kugel? ›

Kugel is a German word that means "ball" and can be used to describe any type of ball-like object. Collectors used this term to describe any early thick glass ornament with a decorative cap. Early Kugels were too heavy to hang on tree branches; instead they were suspended from the ceiling.

What are glass ornaments called? ›

Glass ball ornaments are a classic Christmas tree tradition. Many people, including myself, still decorate their trees with these beautiful ornaments, also called baubles.

What are End of Day ornaments? ›

Hand Painted Glass Christmas Ornaments, made in the late 19thc and early 20thc in Germany. "Artisans made them at the end of the day, using up the left-over…

How can you tell if a kugel ornament is real? ›

Original kugels are generally lined inside with silver. The outside colors are red, cobalt, blue, green, silver, gold and amethyst. There is a hole in the top of each ornament which is concealed by a brass cap. Caps may or may not have an embossed design.

Why do Jews eat kugel? ›

As stated on Chabad.org, Jews commonly eat kugel on Shabbat because it resembles the manna that fell from heaven to nourish the Jews during their 40-year sojourn in the desert.

What is the traditional dessert of Germany? ›

German desserts
NameDescription
SpritzkuchenA fried pastry similar to doughnuts
StollenA fruit cake containing dried fruit and often marzipan and covered with sugar, powdered sugar or icing sugar.
StreuselA crumbly topping of flour, butter, and sugar
StreuselkuchenA yeast dough covered with streusel.
50 more rows

Do you eat kugel hot or cold? ›

Kugel can be served warm or cold, as a side dish, for breakfast, or dessert!

What is the oldest Christmas ornament? ›

The first decorated trees were adorned with apples, white candy canes, and pastries in the shapes of stars, hearts and flowers. Glass baubles were first made in Lauscha, Germany, by Hans Greiner (1550–1609), who produced garlands of glass beads and tin figures that could be hung on trees.

What is the most popular Christmas decoration? ›

What are the Most Popular Christmas Decorations?
  • Christmas Garland. Create that perfect Christmas display with beautiful garland. ...
  • Christmas Wreaths. ...
  • Candles. ...
  • Christmas Tree Ornaments. ...
  • Holiday Gnomes. ...
  • Swags. ...
  • Santa Claus Figures. ...
  • Christmas Wall Decor.

What are German Christmas ornaments called? ›

A traditional German Christmas-tree requires traditional handmade Erzgebirge ornaments. They are handmade, made out of wood and are also designed with love - as the Erzgebirge items always are.

What night should Christmas decorations come down? ›

Christian tradition dating back to the 4th century marks Twelfth Night, the end of Christmas and the Eve of the Epiphany (Christian feast day), as the time to take down your Christmas tree and pack away your decorations again.

What is the official day to take down Christmas decorations? ›

Although Christian groups reportedly disagree over which date is the correct one, tradition dictates that the Twelfth Night is the best time to take down your festive decorations — including your tree. The date falls on January 5 or January 6, depending on whether or not you count Christmas as day one.

What is the longest running Hallmark ornament? ›

The longest-running current ornament series is Frosty Friends, now in its 35th year. Since the line's inception, Hallmark has introduced more than 8,500 Keepsake Ornaments and more than 100 ornament series.

What is the most sought after Hallmark ornament? ›

Frosty Friends #1 is the pick that started it all, and a complete set of Frost Friends releases from across the years that also contains this one is considered the holy grail by most avid Hallmark ornament collectors.

What vintage items are worth money today? ›

Here, you'll find a list of the most popular vintage items that are currently in demand.
  • Records. Records are a popular collectible item among various age groups. ...
  • Vintage Advertising Signage. ...
  • Vintage Books. ...
  • Automobilia/Petroliana. ...
  • Vintage Toys. ...
  • Jewelry. ...
  • Mid-Century Modern. ...
  • Art Deco.
1 Mar 2022

What collectables are worth money today? ›

15 surprisingly valuable things you might have lying around the house
  • Old Magazines. If you're one of those people that find it hard to through away magazines, it may have been worth those years of lugging them around. ...
  • Vintage Furniture. ...
  • Old cameras. ...
  • Rare coins or notes. ...
  • Books. ...
  • Stamps. ...
  • Old china. ...
  • Glassware.
2 Jun 2022

Are vintage Christmas ornaments worth anything? ›

For instance, an entire box of stenciled Shiny Brite ornaments dating to the 1940s through the '60s in excellent condition might sell for $50 to $60. If you shop around to find them one at a time, you'll likely pay in the $5 to $10 range, or a bit more for rare or extra special examples.

How do I know if my ornaments are valuable? ›

Condition Matters

The condition of an antique Christmas ornament is very important. Ornaments with missing pieces, crazing, chipped or flaking paint, or broken parts are worth considerably less than those in good shape. An ornament should look old, but it should still be beautiful.

How can you tell if it's mercury glass? ›

There are many reproductions currently marketed as "mercury glass", in table form, ornaments and other objects. New "mercury glass" can be distinguished from antique silvered glass in several ways, including lack of a double wall, and solid bottoms that are different from true antique silvered glass.

Why can't Jews eat scallops? ›

» Because the Torah allows eating only animals that both chew their cud and have cloven hooves, pork is prohibited. So are shellfish, lobsters, oysters, shrimp and clams, because the Old Testament says to eat only fish with fins and scales.

Why do Jews wash with a cup? ›

The water is poured out from a vessel three times, intermittently, over each hand. Reasons given for this washing vary: to remove an evil spirit from one's fingers, or in preparation for the morning prayer, or to make the hands physically clean before reciting blessings and studying Torah.

Why do Jews eat apples? ›

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins tonight at sundown. It's traditional to dip apples in honey to symbolize the hope for a sweet year ahead, a practice of which I was aware but never knew the origins.

What is the most popular Christmas dessert in Germany? ›

1. Gebrannte Mandeln (Cinnamon Sugar Almonds) A German Christmas Market staple! Literally translated they're called burned almonds but really, the almonds are coated in crunchy cinnamon sugar and served warm in paper cones.

What do Germany eat for Christmas dessert? ›

Stollen and Klaben

The most popular Christmas cakes in Germany are the Stollen and Bremer Klaben. Stollen is the more famous of the two. It is a sweet yeast cake, typically filled with marzipan, nuts and raisins. You can find it all over Germany and it is also very popular abroad.

What are German Christmas desserts? ›

The two most renowned German Christmas treats, Lebkuchen (ginger bread) and Stollen (sweet bread), both require candied citrus peel as a basic ingredient. In Germany two basic varieties are sold – Zitronat, which is candied lemon or lime peel and Orangeat, which is candied orange peel.

What do you serve kugel with? ›

Here's the short answer. The best side dishes to serve with noodle kugel are Jewish brisket, roast chicken, cholent, pan-seared steak, or pan-fried salmon. For lighter options, try Caesar salad, wilted spinach, heirloom tomato salad, or a ratatouille. For a tasty starter, try serving it with latkes.

What is the English word for kugel? ›

bowl [noun] a wooden ball rolled along the ground in playing bowls.

Which is the most popular ornament? ›

What is the most popular ornament on the top of a Christmas tree? Angels and stars are known to be the classic choices for Christmas tree toppers, but more modern traditions have experimented with anything from big ribbon bows to elaborate snowflake ornaments.

What are the most collectible Christmas ornaments? ›

75 Most Valuable Vintage Christmas Ornaments
NO.NamePrice
1Gorham Sterling Silver Snowflake$1,499
2Chenille Santa Clause$537.77
3Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Reindeer$510
4Hallmark TV Sports Keepsake$390
71 more rows

What is considered a vintage ornament? ›

According to industry experts, Vintage refers to something that is from an earlier generation, while Antique refers to something that is over 100 years old. Collectors of Vintage ornaments and decorations are numerous!

What is the color trend for Christmas 2022? ›

Christmas decoration trends 2022

The feelings of warmth, security and tranquility are reflected in the colour combination of bright crimson and dark fir green. Dark blue and black add a graceful depth to the theme, which is enhanced by gold and white accents. Traditional Christmas motifs round out the festive mood.

What is the trend for Christmas 2022? ›

Flocked Christmas Trees

White Christmas trees are our top Christmas decorating trend of 2022, no matter how you decorate your flocked fir.

What are the top 3 Christmas colors? ›

There are several colors which are traditionally associated with Christmas. This site uses Red, Green and Gold. But why do we have them and what do the colors represent?

What are German Christmas carousels called? ›

What is it? The 26-foot carousel-like structure is called a Weihnachtspyramide, or Christmas Pyramid. These wooden pyramids are a traditional German decoration dating back to the 16th century. It is an art form that many believe evolved into our current custom of a Christmas tree.

What are 3 Christmas traditions in Germany? ›

16 popular German Christmas traditions and their meanings
  • Stockings are filled on 6th December. ...
  • Krampus Night (Krampus Nacht) ...
  • Adventskalendar (advent calendars) ...
  • Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve. ...
  • The Christmas tree is decorated last. ...
  • Placing an Advent wreath on the table. ...
  • Christmas markets. ...
  • Christmas angel.
7 Sept 2022

What are traditional German Christmas decorations? ›

Most families in Germany start decorating their homes in early December, usually around Nikolaus on December 6, with evergreen branches, paper stars in the windows and strings of fairy lights.

Is it unlucky to leave Christmas decorations up after 12th night? ›

Twelfth Night is the night before Twelfth Day.

Twelfth Night (5th January) is when all Christmas Decorations should be removed so as not to bring bad luck upon the home. If decorations are not removed on Twelfth Night, they should stay up all year.

Can I leave my Christmas tree up all year? ›

If you change the ornaments on your Christmas tree each month, you can keep it up and enjoy it all year long – just ask me, I did it! A seasonal tree for all seasons.

Do Christmas decorations come down on 6th or 7th of January? ›

According to Christian tradition, January 6 marks the day the three kings actually arrived in Bethlehem after Jesus was born, so this day signals the official end of the Christmas celebrations.

Do you take decorations down on 5th or 6th January? ›

Officially, it is any time after the Twelfth Night, which is the 12th night after Christmas Day (January 5). However, many people take down their decorations on the day of the Epiphany (January 6) as they consider that to be the 12th night after Christmas.

When should I take down my Christmas decorations 2022? ›

According to tradition it is unlucky to leave your Christmas decorations up after the twelfth night – so this is why people generally take their decorations down in time for January 6.

Is it unlucky to take down Christmas decorations early? ›

A day sooner or later is considered unlucky and if decorations are not removed on Twelfth Night then according to tradition they should stay up all year. Until the 19th century though, people would keep their decorations up until Candlemas Day on February 2. Twelfth Night falls on January 5 and Epiphany on January 6.

What was the first Hallmark ornament made? ›

Designed by Linda Sickman, the Rocking Horse ornament was the first in its series. Designed by Linda Sickman, the Tin Locomotive ornament was the first in its series. The Tenth Christmas Together ornament was designed to celebrate the 10 years since the beginning of Hallmark's Keepsakes.

What was Hallmark originally called? ›

Hall quickly made a name for himself with the picture postcards he sold. Rollie Hall joined his brother in business, and the company was named Hall Brothers.

What does DB mean on Hallmark ornaments? ›

DB. Damaged Box - The ornament itself is in mint condition, but the box is damaged. The box may be dented, be torn, crushed, missing the price tab, and/or other damage.

What makes a kugel a kugel? ›

Hailing from Germany, kugel is—at its core—a baked casserole with starch (usually noodles or potatoes), eggs and fat. While that's the base, kugels have many variations, from savory to sweet. The word kugel comes from German for sphere, which referred to the dumplings that made up the earliest version of the dish.

What are the different types of kugel? ›

9 Facts About Hanukkah Food

There are two main types of kugel: noodle and potato. Potato kugel is usually just called what it is: "potato kugel." Meanwhile, noodle kugel may be called "lokshen kugel," which means "noodle pudding" in Yiddish.

What is a South African kugel? ›

(ˈkuːɡəl ) noun South Africa offensive, derogatory, slang. a young Jewish woman from a wealthy background who is seen as being excessively materialistic.

Why do Jews eat noodle kugel? ›

As stated on Chabad.org, Jews commonly eat kugel on Shabbat because it resembles the manna that fell from heaven to nourish the Jews during their 40-year sojourn in the desert.

Should kugel be eaten hot or cold? ›

The kugel can be served warm or cold. It's delicious on its own or jazzed up with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Is kugel better warm or cold? ›

Kugel is traditionally served as a side dish alongside something meaty like brisket or roast chicken. In this case it would normally be served warm, but it can also be refrigerated and eaten cold the next day. Sweeter versions can also be eaten hot or cold, and taste great with fresh cream or vanilla ice cream.

What is the national dessert of South Africa? ›

Malvapoeding (Malva Pudding)

Malva Pudding is the national dessert of South Africa.

Why are Afrikaners called crunchies? ›

Etymology. From crunchy. Use to refer to infantrymen in Vietnam is from their "crunching" through the jungle brush. Use to refer to white Afrikaners is perhaps from their supposed tendency to eat crunchy food.

Why do Jews eat so much Chinese food? ›

Chinese food and kosher law

Chinese food allowed Jews to transition from strict kosher to incorporating non-kosher foods into their diets. Chinese cuisine is "unusually well suited to Jewish tastes because, unlike virtually any other cuisine available in America, traditional Chinese cooking rarely uses milk products."

Why do Jews eat rugelach? ›

Because of the cream cheese, rugelach is a dairy food, and dairy is more traditionally eaten for Hanukkah, the festival of lights, and for Shavuot, a harvest festival celebrated seven weeks after Passover, she says.

What kind of soup did the Jews eat? ›

Chicken soup is the undoubtable symbol of Jewish cuisine.

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