Bring memories of a trip is a universal tradition. From magnets to delicate ornaments, millions of people choose these objects to immortalize unique experiences. Among them, the snowballs became an icon, born by accident in Vienna at the beginning of the 20th century and transformed into a global phenomenon.
This simple ornament, which encapsulates a miniature snowy landscapehas a story that mixes ingenuity, chance and vision. Since its invention, it has not only adorned homes, but also generated an imillionaire industry that continues to grow more than a century later. What happened for this curious object to achieve such relevance?
How snowballs originated
The story of snowballs began in Vienna, Austriain the year 1900. Its creator, Erwin Perzy Ia craftsman specialized in surgical instrumentswas working on a project to improve the lighting in operating rooms. Inspired by a magnifying glass used by shoemakers to intensify light, he experimented with a glass globe filled with water. By adding reflective particles, he sought to amplify the clarity, but what he achieved was something completely different: the particles fell slowly, creating a visual effect that reminded me of a snowfall.
This chance discovery gave rise to the first snowball. Perzy incorporated a miniature of the Mariazell Basilica inside the balloon, creating a piece that quickly caught attention. The initial design, sealed on a wooden base, was registered as “crystal ball with snow effect”. With his brother Josef, Perzy inaugurated a small sizer in Vienna, where they began to produce these magic spheres.
Although their initial purpose failed, snowballs soon became a decorative phenomenon. The first designs, focused on religious reasons, They attracted pilgrims from Mariazell. Noticing the commercial potential, the brothers expanded their catalog with new scenes spanning more general landscapes.
The legacy of this creation transcended generations. The Perzy family not only kept the tradition alive, but adapted it to the cultural and technological changes. Even during historical adversities, such as the world wars and the Great Depression, they managed to preserve their company. Currently, under the leadership of Sabine Perzy The fourth generation of the family, the magic of snowballs continues to captivate the world.
Expansion of snowballs around the world: The Original Wiener Schneekugelmanufaktur
The workshop where it all began, known as Original Wiener Schneekugelmanufakturremains an emblem in Vienna. Founded in the district of Hernals, this space today produces more than 300,000 snowballs a yearall painted and assembled by hand. Its artisanal production guarantees the quality and authenticity of each piece.
“Each snowball we make is unique, like a snowflake,” he explains. Erwin Perzy IIIgrandson of the founder. “Even after more than a century, our goal remains to bring joy to millions of people around the world.” The factory has designed custom models for prominent figures, from Barack Obama even brands like McDonald’s.
Global expansion officially began in 1955, when Erwin Perzy II presented new Christmas designs at the Nuremberg International Toy Fair. This event marked the beginning of massive export to key markets such as the United States, where Viennese snow globes established themselves as icons of the festive season.
Despite the imitations, the “Original Wiener Schneekugelmanufaktur” maintains its reputation as the birthplace of these unique pieces. With models ranging from classic scenes to custom designs, its cultural impact is undeniable, turning a failed experiment into a global phenomenon that continues to fascinate generations.
Source: Ambito
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