This year, English Gardens introduces a new collection of Christmas ornaments called Merry Marie.

Linda Yugovich, English Gardens Merchandising Manager, created the Merry Marie Ornament Collection in honor of her mother. The name of the collection derives from Linda’s mother’s name, Marie, and her nickname, Mary.

The collection has manifested into a very special and thoughtful array of Polish-made glass ornaments.

Ornaments often times evoke a particular memory for yourself and your family. It’s fun to explore the ancient meanings behind such things during the Christmas season. We’ve highlighted a selection of ornaments available from English Gardens and legends behind them.

Pine Cone: Pine Cones are sacred symbols of motherhood and warmth. Because of their abundance, pine cones were widely used as natural decoration on Christmas trees. Eventually, molds were made by European glassblowers to create glass ornaments.

Musical: Musical instruments symbolize song, joy and people joining together during the Christmas season.

House: A home signifies shelter, heritage and culture.

Angel: Love, eternal life, purity, and peace. An angel placed as a tree topper symbolizes the significance of the angels who appeared high above Bethlehem to joyfully announce Jesus’ birth on the first Christmas.

Star: Guidance and faith. The star also represents the bright star that appeared in the sky to guide people to Jesus’ birthplace.

Bird: Happiness, contentment and hope. Cardinal: Symbol of the beauty and warmth of the holiday season. As nature’s reminder for us to focus on our faith, the Cardinal’s scarlet plumage represents the blood of Christ shed for the redemption of mankind.

Mushroom: Associated with nature and the beauty of the forest. In some cultures, mushroom ornaments are displayed on Christmas trees in reverence for nature and in hope of good luck in the New Year.

Christmas Tree: Christ’s gift of everlasting life.

Frog: Many cultures rely on the frog as their weather forecaster. Frogs stay near water during rainy periods and will come out to wait for sunshine if the weather is going to improve. Finding a frog brings good luck, and a wish made upon seeing the first frog in spring is said to come true.

Santa Claus: Melting pot of cultures, beliefs and traditions.

Dove: A universal symbol of peace and love. Noah sent a dove from the ark, and it returned with an olive branch, indicating the end of the Flood and the beginning of God’s covenant with man. The dove also signifies marriage and lifelong love. The pristine whiteness of the dove represents purity, hope for peace and the forgiveness we obtain from God and each other.