An 18th century tradition; a glass sphere hung in windows to ward off evil spirits. This is where the Christian concept of the Christmas tree ornament came from.
True witch balls were a hollow ball of swirled parti-colored glass, two to seven inches (or more) in diameter. Originated in England and was used by superstitious glassmakers to ward off the evil eye, by hanging in a cottages window. The eighteenth century tradition developed into one of hanging many on a tree or candletrows at Christmas or Twelfth night.
globe, usually about 4", hung in windows or outdoors to keep away demons or simply as an inexpensive colorful decoration. Originally a bottle to hold some holy water (AG-M, GGNJ). Recently things made with glass threads across the inside have been "defined" as witch balls. Not seen in older ones. ornament
A hollow sphere of plain or striated glass hung in cottage windows in the 18th century to ward off evil spirits but later often posted on top of a vase or suspended by a cord (as from the matel piec or rafters) for a decorative effect. (Forerunner of the current christmas tree ornament.)
these sound like Christmas tree balls to me: a hollow sphere of plain or striated glass hung in cottage windows in the 18th century to ward off evil spirits but later often posted on top of a vase or suspended by a cord (as from the matel piec or rafters) for a decorative effect.
A glass globe intended to be hung in a prominent place to ward off the evil eye.