Globe de Mariee

Coveted, lusted after, longed for and finally found, a Globe de Mariee.

You can't imagine how happy I was when I finally got it. I had seen an advertisement for it, but I wasn't sure that my still limited French would be good enough to phone the seller and talk to him about it. So, to the rescue came our wonderful friend Franck, who did all the arranging for me, and on Sunday afternoon we set of on a 1 1/2 hour drive to see the Globe. The gentleman who was selling it was lovely, so friendly and full of smiles. He told us that the Globe de Mariee had come from his wife's mother's family, years and years ago ( insert typically French gesture of throwing hand over shoulder and going 'ouffff' with a very expressive face, lol ). It dates back to around 1870, Napoleon III era, and it is absolutely jaw droppingly gorgeous. Yes, the glass dome has a crack in it. Do I care? No. Because whats inside is absolutely perfect. See for yourself -

I took the glass dome off for the photos, so that you can see the details properly -

The actual couronne de mariee resting on the velvet cushion is in perfect condition, the wax flowers still beautifully soft white. Also pinned to the velvet are a boutonniere and a tiny spray of wax flowers.

The mirror at the top is so prettily engraved with a bird and flower design -

 The velvet cushion is studded with tiny little flowers, can you see them peeking through the wax flowers and buds? -

Such beauty!

One of these days I must read up again on what the various bits and pieces mean. I am sure I read somewhere a while ago that the ornaments and mirrors have special meaning. I'll let you know if and when I find out.

I did find out, I saw the information on this lovely blog - Fete et Fleur -

The meanings behind symbols

The orange blossom for virginity

The rose for eternal love

The daisy for innocence or purity

Ivy leaves symbolized commitment

Lime leaves symbolized fidelity

The tree was a symbol of strength and love

Ears of wheat were symbols of fertility or referred to the resurrection of life. They often represented the number 7 to recall the 7 days of the week.

Four-leaf clovers, a symbol of good luck

The fig leaf for prosperity, often paired with clusters of grapes

The oak leaf for longevity and strength to the couple

The presence of a bird holding a laurel wreath meant that as the bird makes its nest, the woman builds her family. A dove expresses the desire for peace in the home.

Joined hands symbolized the union of the couple

The shapes, numbers and positions of mirrors had varied meanings in the overall composition of the Globe de Mariage.

The central mirror evokes the reflection of the soul, the truth

Rectangular mirrors were related to the number of years between the couple’s meeting and the promised marriage

The oval mirrors were good luck gifts offered by the bridesmaids

The number of small diamond-shaped mirrors represented the number of children the couple wished for

The trapezoidal mirror symbolized the perfect agreement

I am linking this post to Debra's fabulous Be Inspired Friday over at her Common Ground blog

and also to FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY at the gorgeous French Country Cottage blog.

Toodlepip xxx