In short. A ceramic balloon from Puglia stands for lightness, joy and freedom. That is why it is given to children at their sacraments — christening, first communion — as a sign of innocence, and why it ends up on the walls of their bedrooms. Here is what it means, and how to use it.

Ceramic balloons: what do they mean?

You cannot talk about Apulian craftsmanship without mentioning the ceramic balloons. They have become a familiar sight in homes and offices, and more and more people are interested in them as something other than a piece of decoration. If you are wondering what a ceramic balloon means, you are not alone: it is one of the questions we are asked most often.

Glazed ceramic balloons in red, orange, blue and pink, with their jute strings, on a white surface

As you might guess, a balloon is a symbol of lightness, joy and freedom, and for that reason it belongs to the world of children. In Puglia a ceramic balloon is given to say innocence and freedom on the important days of a child’s life: a christening, or any of the other religious sacraments in which children are the protagonists.

A piece of sky on the bedroom wall

Coloured ceramic balloons are also perfect for bringing a touch of cheerfulness to a child’s bedroom. Why not decorate a wall in an unusual way, hanging a few balloons here and there? The effect is a wall that looks like a piece of sky, with balloons floating lightly across it, defying everything and everyone. Children love them.

Why a balloon, and why in ceramic. A real balloon lasts a day; a ceramic one is made to last. It keeps the meaning — lightness, freedom, the joy of a party — and turns it into something solid that can be kept and handed on, which is exactly what a gift for a sacrament is meant to be.

Choosing your balloons, and what they say

If you are looking for a decorative object that is original and also carries a particular symbolism, have a look at our ceramic balloons. There is something for everyone, in different sizes and colours depending on how you mean to use them, and they are easy to hang on the wall.

  • As a favour — for the guests at a christening or first communion, to carry the message of freedom, lightness and innocence home with them.
  • On a child’s wall — a few balloons of different colours, hung at different heights.
  • In the rest of the house — as a piece of craft that is simply cheerful to look at.

With a ceramic balloon and its meaning of freedom, lightness and innocence, you will be sending a positive message to everyone taking part in your child’s ceremony. It is a handmade object from Puglia, the same land that gives the pumo, the other great symbol of Apulian ceramics.

Where to find them. Our coloured ceramic balloons are available online, in several sizes and colours.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login