I made sure years ago, that my daughters had a German pickle for their Christmas trees. Somehow, I did not have one for mine. This spring when The Trout and I were in the Black Forest of Germany, we stopped in a glass blowing factory. There on the counter where baskets of German pickles. I knew it was finally time for me to have my own.
In case you do not know about the pickle, let me tell you about it.
THE LEGEND OF THE PICKLE
A pickle used as decoration on a Christmas tree seems odd at first, but it is an old German tradition. It is customary to hide a pickle among the branches of the tree on Christmas Eve. The first child Christmas Day to find the Christmas pickle receives an extra gift! The reason for the different sizes of the pickle are for the age of the children. The largest pickle is for the toddler. As children grow up, the pickle size gets smaller.
Let there be no doubt, the pickle on my tree is the largest I could find. It is also already hanging on a branch. I am going to enjoy my German pickle all season. Merry Christmas.
What fun this is! I know the legend, but have never gotten a pickle. It didn't seem like one of our family traditions, but perhaps I'll have to keep my eyes open. Thanks for reminding me about this.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing those pickles when we lived in the Black Forest! It's good to know the tradition behind the ornament.
ReplyDeleteI have always seen the pickle ornaments, but I didn't know the story behind them.
ReplyDeleteI love tradition and that is one I never heard before; thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I love the history you've shared about the pickle. Your heart must have fluttered when you saw the baskets of German pickles on your trip. I know mine would have.
ReplyDeleteSome of my ancestors are also from Germany and came to America right after our Civil War and settled in Kansas.
Sam
How very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the story behind the pickle although I have one among our decorations. I just love pickles and bought one to symbolize my taste. Next time all the family is together for Christmas, I'll tell them the story and invite them to find the pickle.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
I've heard of this tradition, but have never had a pickle hanging on the tree. I'm glad you finally got one!
ReplyDeleteI think you waited for the right time to get your pickle ;) What wonderful memories you must have when you hang it on the tree. Even though I'm not German, as you know Milwaukee's heritage is very German so I have a pickle on my kitchen food-themed three.
ReplyDeleteLove the German Pickel!!!
ReplyDeleteI've had mine for years Susan. With the story in writing that stays in the box at all times. Actually I have a large one for our big tree, and I have a tiny one for my "German Feather Tree" ;) Have you heard of those???
:)
Hello Susan,
ReplyDeletethank you very much for your visit und lovely comment -
what a beautiful story - I've never heard of it - I wish you a wonderful Christmas season -
Ruth
I have a pickle and I'm not even German! Love the tradition though. We we do have is a small red boot that has been on my husbands tree since he was a toddler (a few years ago) and when the tree goes up I hide the boot - the story goes that Santa lost his boot climbing the tree . . . why Santa would climb a tree is beyond me . . . but traditions are fun!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the legend Susan - I am so pleased you managed to find one :-)
ReplyDeleteThere is always a pickle on my tree.
ReplyDeleteWe have a pickle, most years we remember to find it but one year we forgot and my husband found it when he took the tree out to the garden where we burn it for a winter bonfire.
ReplyDelete