Christmas Stamps

Nostalgia in a Snow Globe

Human fascination with snow globes can be traced back to a longing for the simple joys of childhood. A snow globe often contains a miniature scene, such as a model of a city or a figure, and is filled with water in which "snow" falls as the globe is shaken. It is commonly associated with childhood, popular culture, or kitsch, but has also captured the interest of contemporary artists who have transformed it into a postmodern souvenir.

The history of the snow globe dates back to the 19th century. At the World Exhibition in Paris in 1878, snow globes were described as paperweights with a white powder that mimicked falling snow. Austrian inventor Erwin Perzy popularised the snow globe towards the end of the 19th century while trying to develop a bright surgical lamp. The effect reminded him of snowfall, inspiring him to create his first snow globe. Due to high demand, he and his brother opened a shop in Vienna, where production continues today as a family-run business exporting snow globes worldwide.