The History of the Snow Globe

Snow globes are a part of many holiday celebrations.

It's one of the most iconic scenes in film. The screen is dominated by a snow globe. As the camera pulls back, it drops from a hand and breaks. The opening scene from "Citizen Kane" might represent the world's most famous snow globe. However, most homes probably have at least one, whether it's a holiday motif, one for a sports team or favorite movie or any other type of collectible. The origins of the snow globe might not be as well-known, though.

Origins

The first documented snow globe featured the Eiffel Tower.

The exact origin of the snow globe is unknown. Most experts believe that the snow globe concept sprung from the paperweight, and they generally acknowledge that the first snow globes originated in France. The time frame is where some question comes into play. Many believe that the first snow globes were probably made in the early to mid-1800s. The first documented snow globe, though, was an Eiffel Tower globe that appeared at the 1889 Paris Exhibition.

1890s

Within a year of the Paris Exhibition there were a number of manufacturers making snow globes. The phenomenon had moved from France to various countries in Europe. England wasn't the first European nation to take the cue from France, but they jumped into the trend with a real fervor. Throughout Europe the globes were sold as souvenirs in tourist areas. Religious iconography was featured in other types of snow globes.

1920s

The snow globe trend got a late start in the United States. The first globes began to appear in the United States in the 1920s. Most featured cities and were sold as souvenirs. Even then, they were being manufactured mostly in Germany. That trend would stop when a company received a U.S. patent for snow globes in 1927. By 1930 numerous American companies were producing their own snow globes.

1940s and 1950s

As the mass production of snow globes lowered the cost, new uses were discovered. Companies began using them for advertising in the 1940s. That started a trend of snow globes being considered "cheap" or "tacky." When snow globes made from plastic appeared in the 1950s, this view of the items became even more ingrained in the cultural mindset. During this time, snow globes were cheap little trinkets that were often looked upon unfavorably.

1970s and Beyond

The 1970s saw a rebirth of the snow globe as art and collectible. Gift companies began to manufacture upscale snow globes, more in keeping with the origins of the globe. Lights, movement and sound became incorporated. Various themes and characters were made into snow globes. The trend continues to this day. You can now find snow globes in many price ranges and reflecting nearly any interest a person can imagine.

References

• Family Store: History of Water Balls and Snow Globes
• My Snow Globe Store: A Brief History of Snow Globes
• Snow Globe Sales: Snow Globe History