One would wonder why we put coloured glass baubles on the Christmas tree. Well, the origin lies in the glass blowing industry. The glass blowing industry has special significance to many in Ringsend, so readers may find this account interesting.

Bottlemaking was a time-consuming task and many of the bottlemakers, at the end of a long day, needed a little diversion. They developed a liking for experimenting with coloured glass, competing to see who would make the largest or most colourful glass bubble. Then they brought their works home to their wives and children who, naturally, wondered what sort of ridiculous carry on went on at the workplace.

Proud fathers and husbands used to hang these bubbles or "baubles" above the front door or on the Christmas tree. Observers could see extraordinary images mirrored in these balls and they became known as "Spirit Balls."

These "Spirit Balls" were terrifying to look at and some people said that these "Spirit Balls" would ward off unwanted guests, and so they did. When a no-gooder came to the door late in the evening and saw a distorted reflection of himself over the door, it was easy to understand the usefulness of these glass balls.

Today's use of baubles on the Christmas tree is much tamer. While we can still see odd reflections in these bubbles, their decorative qualities are what makes them attractive. Even little children are not frightened by them as in days of old and they add a taste of cheer to the festive season.

Christmas Tree Boom
The "Christmas trees" sold in our shops are usually the tops lopped off taller trees. "Lopping" the trees actually makes the trunks grow more thickly. With the rise in global warming, climatic conditions demand the planting of more trees worldwide.

And, the stock market has just found that cashing in on tree planting can be very lucrative in the long-term. First Irish Christmas Trees are paying 7.5 per cent per annum compound interest over six years to shareholders. They have planted at least 200 acres of Irish land with Noble Fir, the non-shed variety of Christmas trees.

First Irish Christmas Trees was started by Noel Moran of the Emerald Group, which has tree farms in Ireland, Scotland and England. One of the directors is Brian Davy of Davy Stockbrokers, so he obviously thinks it is a worthwhile investment.