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Flutes appeared in every culture and exist in many forms today as folk instruments. In Western culture, the flute has evolved into the metal, keyed instrument we know today. The concert flute is a precision woodwind that uses a system of keys to produce...

The Story Behind For centuries, firefighters have used helmets to protect their heads while risking their lives to extinguish flames. While the shape and materials have changed throughout the time, the fireman s helmet has always been a symbol of these...

The Story Behind What could be better than that childhood favorite a shiny, bright red Fire Truck! Toymakers often turned real-life items into toys for children, so they could learn as they played. A child could imagine being a heroic firefighter bravely...

The Story Behind Birds are symbols of happiness and joy, so they are regarded as a necessity on the Christmas tree. Glassblowers often kept wild birds during the winter months since the sound of the gas flame in the workshop prompted the birds to sing...

Transporting people and freight over water routes is an industry that has existed for centuries. When communities are separated by water, ferry boats may be scheduled public transportation. Double-ended ferries have interchangeable bows and sterns,...

The Story Behind Adorn your Tannenbaum with our festive Father Christmas Tree Top. Old St. Nick makes his annual visit, bearing gifts for all the good boys and girls. Our blown-glass tree topper is hand-made with great attention to detail, as it is...

The sun is the center of our solar system. It is the most important source of energy, giving off heat, light and energy that makes life possible on Earth. Many cultures, spanning the ages, have worshipped the sun as the source of life. The sun symbolizes...

The Story Behind This helpful gadget was invented over 100 years ago, initially to help Italian factory workers take shorter coffee breaks. Today, we enjoy our espresso as a single shot, or mixed with steamed milk and other flavorings in a festive to-go...

The Story Behind This beautiful glass ornament was carefully mouth-blown into a finely crafted mold. Then a hot solution of liquid silver was poured inside. Finally, the ornament was delicately hand-painted with many brightly colored lacquers and...

The Story Behind This giant breed is a descendant of the molossus, an extinct Roman war dog; the current gentler version was developed in England. These dogs are great protectors and family dogs, but they have giant appetites to match their size. Did you...

The Story Behind Elf Academy One Room School House has a small hole on its underside designed to borrow a standard bulb from your Christmas tree to light up the cottage. Upon lighting your cottage, you will immediately discover the first of many secrets,...

The Story Behind Beavers have thick fur, webbed feet, and flat tails making them good swimmers and well adapted to their semiaquatic lives. They are peaceful, sociable, and incredibly industrious. Celebrate that exceptionally energetic and enthusiastic...