Hallmark "Santas from Around the World: Mexico" Christmas Ornament, 2004

01

Artifact Overview

Already known for greeting cards, Hallmark introduced a line of Christmas ornaments in 1973. The company's annual release of an increasing array of ornaments revolutionized Christmas decorating, appealing to customers' interest in marking memories and milestones as well as expressing one's personality and unique tastes.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Christmas tree ornament

Date Made

2004

Creator Notes

Designed by Sharon Visker of Hallmark Cards, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. Made in China.

Object ID

2019.65.6081

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Plastic
Metal
Cardboard

Color

Multicolored

Inscriptions

on bottom of ornament: MEXICO / 2004 / (C) 2004 HMK. LIC. on front of packaging: Hallmark / KEEPSAKE / ORNAMENT / Santas from Around / the World / MEXICO / PERES NOEL DU MONDE ENTIER on back of packaging: Santas from Around / the World / MEXICO / Christmas in Mexico has become a cross-/ cultural blend of traditions. Most children wait / for the Reyes Magos (Three Kings) to bring / gifts on January 6. Many others enjoy getting / presents from Santa on Christmas morning. / Another significant activity is the celebration / of Las Posadas--the reenactment of the / Nativity that is still faithfully observed / during this holiday. / Fashioned with a punched-tin look and carrying a pinata, this / Santa represents a Mexican art form that has roots in the Spanish / colonial era. Tinplate was first imported into Mexico from Spain in / the 1550s. To this day, craftsmen continue to / produce exquisite tinwork. / The pinata, a traditional Christmas fiesta toy, / was first introduced by missionaries after / the Spanish Conquest. From December 16 / to Christmas Eve, the nightly fiesta of Las / Posadas end with children breaking a / pinata and scrambling for the treasures / that spill out. / Designed and Sculpted by / Sharon Visker / For decorative use only. Not for children under 8. / Concue a des fins decoratives seulement. Ne convient pas aux enfants de moins de 8 ans. / Handcrafted With Metal Plating - Dated 2004 on bottom of packaging: (C) 2004 Hallmark Licensing, Inc. / Mfd. for Hallmark Cards, Inc., Kansas City, MO 64141 / Made in China QP1721 / www.hallmark.com
Hallmark "Santas from Around the World: Mexico" Christmas Ornament, 2004