Witch ball decorations are unique and enchanting ornaments that have a long history rooted in folklore and superstition. These ornamental glass spheres, also known as spirit balls or gazing balls, are often hung in windows or gardens to ward off evil spirits and protect the home. The origins of witch ball decorations can be traced back to 18th century England, where they were initially created to trap negative energies and prevent witches from entering the house. The glass spheres were believed to have magical properties that would divert the attention of evil spirits, causing them to become mesmerized by their beauty and become trapped inside. Traditionally, witch balls were made by skilled glassblowers, who would create intricate designs by layering different colored glass and adding swirls or patterns. The glass used in these decorations was believed to have reflective properties, allowing the evil spirits to see their own image and become frightened, ultimately choosing to avoid the protected area.
COLERIDGE-TAYLOR: Christmas Overture
Then, Tania Holt and Alexander Fedortchev of Cirque de la Symphonie returned for a seemingly weightless duet on high as the orchestra played the Waltz of the Flowers from the Nutcracker. Program subject to change Coleridge-Taylor Christmas Overture; Vejvanovský Sonata Natalis C-dur; Menken A Place Called Home from A Christmas Carol; Fullam Somewhere ; Richman Hanukkah Medley; Tchaikovsky Selections from The Nutcracker; Humperdinck Tarkmann Hansel and Gretel Prelude; Traditional Sadler Sheriff Santa ; Wineglass Title TBD PSO Commission and World Premiere; Traditional Richman O Holy Night.
The glass used in these decorations was believed to have reflective properties, allowing the evil spirits to see their own image and become frightened, ultimately choosing to avoid the protected area. Today, witch ball decorations are still popular, particularly among those who have an interest in the occult or want to add a touch of whimsy to their home decor. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, with some even containing small charms or trinkets inside.
Portland Symphony Orchestra plans a merry online Magic of Christmas
PORTLAND — The Portland Symphony Orchestra has reimagined a beloved holiday tradition to create the Magic of Christmas at Home online special. The Magic of Christmas at Home will be available to watch on demand beginning Tuesday, Dec. 1, and will be available through Thursday, Dec. 31.
The special concert will be led by PSO Music Director Eckart Preu, with guests Alyson Cambridge, James Kennerley, the Magic of Christmas Chorus, the Portland Ballet and the Pihcintu Multicultural Chorus. Viewers will enjoy a mix of traditional Christmas classics as well as a world premiere holiday work and the beloved “Sleigh Ride.”
“I know for many in Maine it wouldn’t be Christmas without Magic of Christmas. We couldn’t let the pandemic stand in the way of sharing the joy of music and this annual tradition,” said PSO Music Director Eckart Preu. “We’re especially excited to know that this year people who live ‘away’ can share in the same experience, making it possible for many more who miss Magic to also join in the fun.”
Special guests for this year’s performance include Alyson Cambridge, soprano; James Kennerley, organ; Magic of Christmas Chorus; Portland Ballet; and Pihcintu Multicultural Chorus.
Program (subject to change): Coleridge-Taylor: Christmas Overture; Vejvanovský: Sonata Natalis C-dur; Menken: “A Place Called Home” from A Christmas Carol; Fullam: “Somewhere”; Richman: Hanukkah Medley; Tchaikovsky: Selections from The Nutcracker; Humperdinck/Tarkmann: Hansel and Gretel Prelude; Traditional/Sadler: “Sheriff Santa”; Wineglass: Title TBD – PSO Commission and World Premiere; Traditional/Richman: “O Holy Night!”; Traditional/Richman: Christmas Sing-a-long; Anderson: “Sleigh Ride”; and Traditional: “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
Single tickets are on sale and start at $10 a person. The performance will be professionally recorded at Merrill Auditorium and St. Luke’s Cathedral for digital release on the recently-launched PortlandSymphonyTV.com video platform. The concert will be available to watch on demand for all ticket-holders. The PSO will send detailed registration and watch instructions to ticket-holders preceding the concert.
PSO Executive Director Carolyn Nishon said, “We knew we wanted to find a way to make the holiday as special as possible for our community amidst the challenges of this year. What better way to do that than to fill our cups with joyous music? We hope that this season, the Magic of Christmas at Home will bring families and friends together safely to enjoy a Maine holiday tradition. Although we won’t be able to see our patrons at Merrill this year, we do encourage folks to continue the custom of donning their best and brightest holiday sweaters when they gather to watch Magic of Christmas at Home.”
The PSO Passport offers access to digital concerts, exclusive musical experiences, online Concert Conversations and digital program books. The PSO Passport is available in three levels, Super, Standard and Simple. Each level varies; the Super offers the opportunity for patrons to save their seats for future in-person concerts, exclusive access to all digital concerts, priority seating for in-person concerts (when it is safe to hold such concerts), digital backstage tours, ticket flexibility, Concert Conversations and digital program books. The Standard Passport offers the opportunity to reserve seats for half their usual price as well as extensive offerings to digital concerts. The Simple Passport is $70 for the year and includes digital access to one musical experience/concert a month, one Concert Conversation a month, access to the interactive, digital program books.
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In addition to their aesthetic appeal, witch balls are still believed to have protective qualities. Many people hang them in their windows to reflect and dispel negative energy and bring good luck. Others place them in their garden or on their porch to protect their home from unwanted visitors or ill-meaning spirits. In conclusion, witch ball decorations are not only beautiful ornaments but also carry a rich history and deep symbolism. Whether used for their believed protective qualities or simply to add a touch of mystery and charm to a space, witch balls continue to captivate and enchant those who encounter them..
Reviews for "Exploring Different Materials for Witch Ball Decorations"
1. Lucy - 2/5 stars - I recently purchased a set of witch ball decorations and was extremely disappointed. The colors were dull and the overall quality was subpar. The glass was thin and fragile, and I was worried they would shatter easily. Additionally, the design was not as intricate as I had hoped, making them look cheap. I would not recommend these witch ball decorations if you're looking for something visually appealing and durable.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - I had high expectations for the witch ball decorations, but unfortunately, they fell short. The colors were not as vibrant as advertised, and the glass had several imperfections. Moreover, the hanging mechanism was poorly designed, making it difficult to hang the balls securely. Ultimately, these witch ball decorations were a waste of money and did not meet my expectations.
3. Sarah - 3/5 stars - The witch ball decorations were decent, but they didn't live up to the hype. The colors were okay, but they didn't pop as much as I had anticipated. The glass itself was sturdy, but it lacked the intricate details I was hoping for. Overall, they were just average and didn't add much excitement to my Halloween decor.
4. Michael - 2/5 stars - I bought the witch ball decorations thinking they would add a spooky touch to my home, but they ended up looking cheap and unimpressive. The colors were not as vibrant as shown in the pictures, and the overall design was lackluster. The construction of the hanging loop was flimsy and made it difficult to secure the balls properly. I was disappointed with the quality and would not recommend these decorations.
5. Emily - 2/5 stars - The witch ball decorations I purchased were a letdown. The colors were muted and lacked the vibrant look I was expecting. The glass itself seemed thin and fragile, making me doubt their durability. The design was not as intricate as I had hoped, giving them a lackluster appearance. Overall, these witch ball decorations did not meet my expectations and left me wanting more.