What is the Christmas Pickle Tradition: Story Behind Ornament

Have you ever heard of the charming Christmas pickle tradition? This delightful custom adds a sprinkle of fun and excitement to the holiday season! Originating from Germany, the tradition involves hiding a pickle-shaped ornament on the Christmas tree, with family members searching for it on Christmas morning. The lucky one who finds the pickle is said to receive good luck for the year ahead or even an extra gift!

Whether you’re looking to start a new family tradition or simply curious about this quirky custom, join nationalparkshops’s team as we dive into the history, significance, and ways to celebrate the Christmas pickle tradition in your own home. Get ready for a festive adventure that will bring smiles and joy to your holiday celebrations!

What is the Christmas pickle tradition?

Firstly, it’s important to note that the Christmas pickle isn’t an actual pickle but an ornament! On Christmas Eve, this pickle-shaped ornament is hidden somewhere in the Christmas tree. Due to its dark green color, it blends well with the branches, making it hard to find. On Christmas morning, there’s a race to locate the pickle. Part of the fun is remembering to search for it, while the other part is spotting it among all the lights, baubles, and other Christmas decorations.

In some versions of the tradition, the first person to find the Christmas pickle is rewarded with good luck or even an extra gift. But in every version, the main prize is the bragging rights that last for the entire year.

The Christmas pickle tradition is a family tradition, meaning it’s not just for kids. Although its supposed German origins have been debunked as a myth, it remains especially popular among families with German heritage and in regions with German influence, like the Midwest.

>> Read More: 13 Unique Christmas Traditions Around The World

What is the history of the Christmas pickle?

Many people believe the Christmas pickle tradition is an old German tradition passed down over generations. However, a 2016 survey found that fewer than 10% of Germans had even heard of the Christmas pickle, with 91% saying “nein” to familiarity and only 7% responding “ja.” Ironically, this “German” tradition has actually gained popularity in Germany in recent years – as a humorous American custom.

So where did this quirky tradition really begin? The origin remains a mystery. One legend tells of a dying Civil War soldier who requested a final pickle from his captors, which miraculously sustained him until his release. To honor this miracle, he reportedly hung a pickle on his tree every Christmas.

Another story involves two young boys who were murdered by an evil innkeeper, hidden in a pickle barrel until Saint Nicholas arrived and revived them. While this tale connects the holiday spirit to Saint Nick, it doesn’t clarify why a pickle would be used as a decoration.

Neither of these stories is a convincing origin for this briny tradition. The most plausible explanation actually points to American department stores. In the 1880s, Germany was famous for its glass ornaments, which included fruits and vegetables. Woolworth’s imported many of these, including a pickle. The ornament’s popularity and its supposed German origin – likely began there, with salesmen adding a little flair by claiming it was an old German tradition.

While the Christmas pickle may not be an authentic global tradition, it remains a “dill-lightful” way to add fun to the holiday season.

What country hangs a pickle on a Christmas tree?

The Christmas pickle tradition is primarily practiced in the United States. While it is often mistakenly believed to be a German custom, surveys indicate that very few people in Germany are familiar with it. In fact, less than 10% of German respondents in a survey had ever heard of the Christmas pickle tradition, which has gained popularity in Germany only in recent years as a quirky American custom.

The tradition involves hiding a pickle-shaped ornament on the Christmas tree, with the first person to find it receiving an extra gift or good luck for the year ahead. The origin of this practice is uncertain, but it is commonly thought to have been popularized by American department stores in the late 19th century, particularly Woolworth’s, which sold glass ornaments imported from Germany.

>> Read More: How to Say Merry Christmas in Different Languages: 100+ languages

Top 5 favorite Christmas Pickle decorations

Here are brief descriptions of the specified Christmas pickle ornaments:

Old World Christmas Ornaments: Pickle Chips Glass Blown Ornaments for Christmas Tree

• Ornaments For Christmas Tree: Hand crafted in age-old tradition with techniques that orginated in the 1800s
• Christmas Decorations: Molten glass is mouth-blown into finely carved molds
• Unique Gifts: Ornaments are all hand-painted and glittered in a series of labor-intensive steps to achieve the beautiful creations
• Pickle Chips Ornament: Traditionally designed, hand-crafted ornaments
• Size: Ornament Dimensions in Inches: 3 x 2.75 x 1

Pickle Chips Glass Blown features a playful design of pickle chips, crafted from glass and hand-blown. They are designed to add a whimsical touch to your Christmas tree, celebrating the unique Christmas pickle tradition. Each ornament is beautifully detailed and comes with a hanging loop for easy display.

Joiedomi Christmas Pickle Ornament Glass Blown Ornament

Premium Quality: Child Safe, Non-Toxic, Meet the US toy standard, Safety test approved

The holidays are all about creating cherished memories and family traditions. For a seamless and timeless addition to your Christmas tree, this unique blown glass ornament is an elegant choice that adds a touch of class to the Christmas pickle tradition. Its sparkle and shine will undoubtedly make it the centerpiece of your seasonal decor.

For those who appreciate classic over trendy, the Joiedomi Christmas Pickle Ornament set is a perfect fit. This Christmas, let these beautiful ornaments bring joy and help you create lasting memories with the young ones in your life.

Old World Christmas Ornaments: Pickle Glass Blown

• Ornaments For Christmas Tree: Hand crafted in age-old tradition with techniques that orginated in the 1800s
• Christmas Decorations: Molten glass is mouth-blown into finely carved molds
• Unique Gifts: Ornaments are all hand-painted and glittered in a series of labor-intensive steps to achieve the beautiful creations
• Pickle Ornament: Traditionally designed, hand-crafted ornaments
• Size: Ornament Dimensions in Inches: 3.5 x 2 x 1.5

This classic pickle ornament from Old World Christmas is hand-crafted from glass and features a rich green color with detailed craftsmanship. It symbolizes good luck and is meant to be hidden on the Christmas tree, allowing children and family members to search for it during the Christmas pickle tradition festivities.

Noble Gems “Merry Christmas” Pickle Glass Ornament

This charming, classic ornament showcases a cheerful bright green pickle wearing a festive Santa hat and a striped scarf. Crafted from high-quality glass with intricate details, it includes a nylon cord for easy hanging.

Measuring about 3.5 inches long, the Noble Gems Pickle Glass Ornament is part of the exclusive Kurt Adler Noble Gems collection. Ideal for adding a playful touch to your Christmas tree or ornament stand, it comes carefully packaged in a fitted box, making it perfect for gifting or storing safely.

Miniature Gurken Glass Blown Ornaments for Christmas Tree

• Ornaments For Christmas Tree: Hand crafted in age-old tradition with techniques that orginated in the 1800s
• Christmas Decorations: Molten glass is mouth-blown into finely carved molds
• Unique Gifts: Ornaments are all hand-painted and glittered in a series of labor-intensive steps to achieve the beautiful creations
• Pickle Ornament: Traditionally designed, hand-crafted ornaments
• Size: Ornament Dimensions in Inches: 1. 5 x 0. 75 x 0. 75

These miniature Gurken (pickle) ornaments are delicately hand-blown from glass, making them perfect for smaller trees or as unique accents on larger ones. Their compact size and charming design make them an excellent choice for those looking to celebrate the Christmas pickle tradition in a subtle yet festive way.

Conclusion

No matter how you slice, crunch, or stack it, the Christmas Pickle tradition is here to stay. As for its origins, what truly matters is where it’s hidden now – and who will be the first to spot it!

Does your family follow the Christmas Pickle tradition? Which origin story do you prefer to believe?