The History, Meaning, and Crafting of Fig Ornaments

The Charm of Fig Ornaments

As the holiday season approaches, many people start thinking about how they will decorate their homes for the festivities. Ornaments are a key part of holiday décor, adding pops of color, sparkle, and whimsy to Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, and more. One unique and creative ornament style that is gaining popularity are fig ornaments.

The History of Fig Ornaments

Using figs in holiday celebrations and decorations has a long history. Figs have significance in many cultures and religions, often used as symbols of love, life, and fertility. In some Christmas traditions, fresh figs were hung on trees as part of ancient rituals to promote fertility and a bountiful harvest. Over time, these practices evolved into glass, porcelain, fabric, and other materials shaped and decorated into fig ornaments.

The Symbolism of Figs

So why are figs such a popular inspiration for Christmas tree adornments? As mentioned, they have rich cultural meaning as emblems of life and love. Their sweet flavor and bulbous shape also give them a joyful, festive quality. Beyond the literal fruit, fig ornaments tap into what figs represent: warmth, generosity, growth, and the gathering of loved ones.

Types of Fig Ornaments

Today there are many styles of fig ornaments to choose from from classic to modern. Glass fig ornaments often have jewel-toned metallic finishes like emerald green, deep ruby, sapphire blue and gold. Neutral ivory and clear glass versions also allow the inner bulb shape to shine through. There are also ceramic and fabric faux figs in natural, rainbow, or decorative patterns.

For a touch of whimsy, find fig gnome ornaments. Their bearded faces and little red hats add a cute, festive spirit. Traditionalists will love old-world European mouth-blown glass figs with silvery pixels or delicate floral motifs. Find golden cradles holding several tiny glass figs clustered together. For ornament exchanges, opt for single glass figs in their own gift boxes or bags.

Displaying Fig Ornaments

Groupings of three, five, or seven fig ornaments make excellent tree accents, allowing their colors and shapes stand out. Nestle them within pine garlands along stair railings or mantels. Suspend them from chandeliers, doorways, and arched windows using ribbons to catch the light. Place shiny glass or glittered ceramic fig ornaments in clear glass vases or bowls as centerpieces.

Let fig ornaments mingle with other fruits like apples, pears, grapes, and pomegranates to create a natural harvest display. Complement them with berries, pinecones, eucalyptus sprigs, pine branches, cinnamon sticks, and festive picks. For mantle or entryway décor, arrange figs with nativity figurines, evergreen wreaths, plaid bows, and faux wrapped gifts.

Creating Your Own Fig Ornaments

Looking for a DIY project or activity for family and friends this holiday season? Make your own custom fig ornaments using simple materials and getting creative with paint, glitter, fabric, bake clay and more.

Baked Clay Fig Ornaments

For an earthy, handmade style, sculpt fig ornaments out of air-dry or polymer clay. Roll clay into balls slightly smaller than actual fresh figs, then make an indentation on the top. Use toothpicks, chopsticks or knitting needles to add details mimicking the fruit's bumpy skin and oval shape. Allow to fully dry before painting or leaving natural.

Decorated Glass Fig Ornaments

Plain round glass ball ornaments provide excellent fig ornament canvases. Paint them metallic gold, deep green or burgundy using acrylic craft paint pens or paint markers. Add life-like details with a fine-tipped brown paint pen for the woody stem and dots for seeds. Outline in glitter glue and coat in clear acrylic spray to seal.

Fabric Fig Ornaments

Stitch your own plush fig ornament decorations from felt, cotton, velvet or your favorite festive fabric. Cut two oval shapes for front and back, leaving one side open. Insert polyfill stuffing inside, then hand-sew closed. Decorate with puffy paint, ribbon, embroidery floss, pearl beads, rickrack trim or miniature pompoms. Add a thread loop hanger at the top.

However you choose to incorporate them, fig ornaments are a unique way to infuse your holiday décor with sweet symbolism and natural beauty. Let their luminous colors and irregular shapes add organic contrast to all your seasonal adornments.

FAQs

Why are figs used as Christmas decorations?

Figs have a long history of being used in winter holiday celebrations as symbols of fertility, life, and love due to their sweet flavor and bulbous shape. Displaying figs was thought to promote a bountiful harvest. Over time this evolved into decorating with faux fig ornaments.

What are some popular styles of fig ornaments?

Classic glass, ceramic, fabric, wood, and plastic fig ornaments are all popular. Colors include jewel tones like ruby red and emerald green as well as metallic gold and silver finishes. Fig gnomes and mouth-blown European glass figs are whimsical options. Groupings of 3-7 work well.

Can you make your own fig ornaments?

Yes! You can make ornamental figs out of polymer clay, felt, glass ball ornaments, and more. Sculpt clay into oval shapes or paint plain balls. Stitch fabric figs and stuff with polyfill. Decorate with paint, glitter, beads, ribbon, embroidery, and other embellishments.

How should you display fig ornaments?

Groupings on the Christmas tree allow their colors and shapes to stand out. Also display in garlands, chandeliers, centerpieces, and mantle arrangements. Complement with other fruits, berries, pinecones, and seasonal decor for a natural harvest look.