Silver medal Christmas decorations - gold proof

The motif of the silver medal, which expands the Czech Mint’s free gift series featuring festive themes, is Christmas decorations. The pure metal is complemented by gold enamel.

The story of Christmas decorations began in pre-Christian times, when people celebrated the winter solstice. Back then, they decorated their homes with greenery, which symbolised life during the bleakest time of year. To honour the gods and appease various spirits, they would hang ceremonial biscuits on sprigs of fir, ivy or mistletoe. These traditions endured even after Christianity took hold in Europe and pagan celebrations gave way to Christmas. After all, even the followers of Christ wanted to bring a touch of nature into their homes during the long, harsh winters. From there, it was only a short step to the Christmas tree as we know it today. An ancient chronicle from 1570 records that a tree decorated with treats – fruit, nuts and pretzels – was displayed in the guild hall in Bremen, which the craftsmen’s children could eat once the Christmas celebrations were over. This tradition spread rapidly, and Christmas trees began to appear in both wealthy and poor households. They were decorated with whatever was to hand - sweets, ribbons, straw figurines, candles, which symbolised the light of Bethlehem, and above all apples, which evoked the Garden of Eden. In 1858, however, there was a poor harvest and it looked as though Christmas would be a meagre affair. A certain glassmaker from Goetzenbruck therefore decided to replace real apples with artificial ones. When he blew a few glass baubles, he had no idea what a craze he would set off. His delicate innovation soon took the whole world by storm. Today, decorations made from all manner of materials are hung on the Christmas tree  - glass, wood, chocolate and even metal…

The obverse side of the medal, designed by the medallist David Paulík, depicts a Christmas decoration hanging from a twig. Its realistic appearance is achieved through shimmering gold enamel. On the reverse side, you will find more little ornaments and a lit candlestick.

An integral part of the issue is the gift box, on which a dedication can be inscribed. Don’t miss the four other variations of the medals, which differ in the colour of their enamel and which you can also find in our range.