Laura De Rosa During the Christmas period the hashtag #christmaspickle is very popular. It refers to the famous cucumber-shaped decoration that Americans hang on the Christmas tree. A tradition "suspended" between America and Germany
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What is the Christmas pickle?
Type #christmaspickle into your favorite social media venue and discover thousands of postings displaying this fun holiday ornament.
Where did the Christmas Pickle start?
The first Christmas pickles are believed to have appeared on the Christmas tree in the late 19th century. At the time, Woolworth stores in the United States began importing glass ornaments from Germany. Among those fruits and vegetables-shaped ornaments, there might have been a pickle or two-but there is no evidence to prove it.
This is the most common explanation, though various legends try to explain the origin of the pickle. The most fanciful story is of a German-American soldier in the Civil War, who, imprisoned and dying, begged for a pickle. In eating it, he supposedly was saved, and from then on, the pickle was a lucky charm.
An american tradition with german roots?
While the tradition was believed by many to have ancient German origins, it actually developed in the United States. The Christmas pickle is usually the last ornament hung on the tree, placed among the branches. On Christmas morning, whoever finds the pickle first is given an additional gift and a year of good luck.
Although the pickle may have migrated to America from Germany, the tradition as we currently practice it is quintessentially American.
The New York Times reports that German ornament maker Sascha Müller-who makes thousands of Christmas pickles every year-introduced the tradition to Germany after learning about it in Michigan. The town of Berrien Springs-a small German heritage town in Michigan-even holds an annual pickle-themed festival.
Whatever the actual origins of this icon, one thing is for certain: the Christmas pickle is a unique and charming holiday tradition!
Sources: webarchive/whychristmas
