Observation Ball History and Tradition

I’ve always been fascinated by gazing balls, that brightly colored, reflective orb that usually sits on a stand. As I found out, their history is as colorful and varied as they are! This decorative garden ornament is full of history (basically boring), lore and legend (fun facts).

First we have to travel back in time to the 13th century (now that’s time travel). Expert glassblowers from Venice created the beautiful, sparkling spheres. Personally, they were most likely wearing weird stuff and having a bit of fun, but that’s just my opinion! Then we fast forward to the early 1600s, an Italian priest and chemist referred to them as “spheres of light.” Around the same time, another famous individual, Francis Bacon, stated that “a proper garden should have rounded colored balls for the sun to play with.” Gazing balls gained great popularity during the Victorian era, they were used both outdoors and in the home. Also in the 19th century, King Ludwig of Bavaria had the balls tied all over his garden at Herrenchiemsse castle (try saying it 3 times faster), so the popularity continued. As I mentioned, basically boring!

Legend and lore have some fun facts. A gazing ball is said to bring happiness, good luck, and prosperity to those who own it. The balloon was known to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. Lore says that a witch couldn’t stop looking at herself or the other version is that she couldn’t bear to look at the picture of her, either way she stays away from you! Balls made of colored glass, unlike mirror ones, are believed to attract and trap evil spirits. The Victorians found a practical use for them, hence the name “butler’s ball”. Strategically placed, the servant could monitor the need of the guests without having to stare at them, and still magically arrive to assist the visitor. The South noticed this and placed them at the front door so they could see who was coming and had time to hide or make a glass of tea (that’s the first version of detection calls). Let’s not forget about the wedding gift, to bring the happiness of the bride to her new home.

Fast forward to today… gazing balls are used today for garden decoration. They can improve the overall look of your garden. Whatever your theme, there’s a globe to match in blown glass, stainless steel, copper, or ceramic. The reflective orb allows you to see flowers, the sky, and garden structures at a glance. Not only among the flowers, but also can be placed in the pond, bird bath, or hung on the trees.

A word of caution: the seal on the neck of the ball should never be loosened or removed. Moisture inside the ball will cause the reflective materials to peel off (ugh). Observation balloons should be stored during the cold months to prevent them from freezing or cracking. Rain will not damage the ball, but a violent storm can blow branches and break glass.

Gazing balls are used in famous gardens around the world, why not let one reflect your personality and bring that eye-catching appeal to your garden? Plus a little luck never hurt anyone!