Discovery Series Ornament – Arizona
Discovery Series Ornament Arizona is here.
Arizona’s history as the 48th state begins with its admission to the Union on February 14, 1912, though human presence in the region dates back over 12,000 years. The state’s territory was part of Mexico until the Mexican-American War and the Gadsden Purchase of 1853 completed its current boundaries. From ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings to Spanish missions, Old West mining towns, and modern metropolitan centers, Arizona’s landscape tells a story of diverse cultures, frontier spirit, and adaptation to one of America’s most dramatic desert environments.
– The Gila monster illustrated on the mug represents one of only two venomous lizards native to the United States and an iconic symbol of Arizona’s unique wildlife. This striking reptile, with its distinctive beaded skin in orange and black patterns, has inhabited the Sonoran Desert for millions of years. The Gila monster embodies the resilient and sometimes dangerous beauty of Arizona’s desert ecosystem, adapted perfectly to survive in harsh conditions.
– The hot air balloons floating across the design represent the Arizona Balloon Classic, one of the state’s most colorful annual events. Held in Glendale each spring, this spectacular festival fills the desert skies with dozens of vibrant hot air balloons creating a breathtaking display against Arizona’s clear blue backdrop. The event celebrates the state’s perfect ballooning conditions with its stable air currents, mild weather, and stunning landscapes that make Arizona an ideal destination for aeronauts and spectators alike.
– The prickly pear cactus depicted on the mug is one of Arizona’s most widespread and versatile desert plants. With its distinctive paddle-shaped segments covered in spines and its vibrant pink or purple fruit, the prickly pear has been used for centuries by Native Americans and settlers for food, medicine, and natural dyes. Both the pads (nopales) and fruits (tunas) are edible and remain popular ingredients in Southwestern cuisine, symbolizing the desert’s ability to provide sustenance in harsh conditions.
– The layered canyon illustration represents the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and Arizona’s most famous landmark. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this mile-deep chasm reveals nearly two billion years of geological history in its colorful rock layers. The Grand Canyon draws millions of visitors annually and stands as a testament to the awesome power of natural forces shaping the landscape.
– The golfer depicted on the mug celebrates Arizona’s status as one of America’s premier golf destinations. With over 300 golf courses taking advantage of year-round sunshine and stunning desert backdrops, Arizona attracts golfers from around the world. Scottsdale and Phoenix host major PGA events, while courses throughout the state offer challenging play amid saguaros, red rocks, and mountain vistas.
