Tree of Enchantment Hanging Glass Ball for Winter - Love it!

-article by melaniekaren

I came across Tree of Life hanging orbs years back.  I love them. I have started to collect them, and I like to give them as gifts too.

image credit - photo by Bogdan Migulski of a decorated tree at Peddler's
Village.  I'v been to the village many times during the holiday season.  They
have the best holiday light display I have even seen.  The larger red "apple"
lights remind me of "witch balls."

I am Reminded of the Old World Witch Balls

These remind me of old 18th century witch balls.  Years ago, I was browsing around Peddler's Village in Lahaska, PA in Bucks County.  There was a shop that featured mostly gorgeous, hand-made pottery collections and other functional art pieces.  In a large front window were at least a dozen of similar hand-blown spheres all hanging in various sizes.  It was such a sight of beauty that I didn't forget them.  Oh, how I wished I could have this delight in my own home!  Each had a tag. They were called "witch balls." (Unfortunately, the shop has since closed :(  It was one of my most favorite shops ever.)

What are Witch Balls? 

image credit - "Witch Ball" by Laura Gillmore

Witch balls are glass colored orbs with threads of glass-work inside.  It is said that evil entities approaching a house would get sidetracked by the mesmerizing beauty of the hanging orb.  The entity would then get absorbed into the ball and then be forever trapped by the glass filaments within. If you've heard of a bottle tree, it is the same idea.  (If not, I'll be writing about those soon too :) )

image credit - photo by Ian Mackenzle titled "Witches Ball"

Here is a closeup photo of  the inside of a true witch ball.  You can clearly see the glass filaments.

An Important Note:

Sometimes I see witch balls with a description that states that the balls are meant to keep away witches.  This is not true and can be confusing for some.

Over time (and I'll simply leave it at that for now), witches have gained a bad rep. The term "witch" means "country dweller" in its truest definition.

Eighteenth century English country dwellers tended to be mostly the peasants of the time. These country folk held onto pagan beliefs, loved the earth and did no evil.

Now, Onto My New Favorite Witch Ball Find

click pic to see on AMAZON

This is the Kitras 10-Inch Tree of Enchantment, Winter colossal-sized witch ball.  It is beautiful!  I don't have mine yet, but it is coming.

I gave a large 10" size Kitras glass ball to my sister, titled "Sisters." (Yes, they make a variety of themed glass balls.)  It's huge, and I think the extra large size makes them even more beautiful for hanging outside.

But!  The biggest reason why I love this one so much is that it is for winter, a time when trees are sleeping.  I think the color choices of relaxing blues coupled with magical purple are perfect.  I can already picture how beautiful a backdrop of snow and gray naked trees will be for this winter orb.  -a true tree of enchantment!

I'll be hanging mine in the back under the arbor on the stone patio.  I'll be sharing a photo of two I'm sure.

If you like the idea of seasonal themed hanging glass balls, others are available.  Kitras Art Glass makes one for summer, spring and autumn.  So, be sure to browse around and take a look at them all if you like.  They are regularly listed on Amazon.  They also have other themed Tree of Enchantment orbs, Tree of Life orbs and even true witch balls.  Happy collecting and gazing. :)

You may also like my article about the Tree of Christmas Enchantment.