I do not know why snow globes still appear magical to me. Shaking the large ball in my hand and then watching the sparkling of the white shiny particles, as they settle slowly to the bottom, has that particular, mesmerizing effect on me to this day. No one really knows where the idea for this amusing item came from, but it appears that it might have originated in France. Also called a waterglobe or snowdome, it was used as a paper weight at first. In 1889, a snow globe containing a model of the newly built Eiffel Tower was produced to commemorate the International Exposition in Paris, which marked the centenary of the French Revolution. This globe quickly became a favourite souvenir for attendees.
I only own one snow globe which I display on my book shelves during the months of December. Each time I unwrap it from the box I feel as if handling a very precious possession.
