Christmas pickle

Last updated
A glass Christmas pickle Glass Christmas Pickle (357166102).jpg
A glass Christmas pickle

The Christmas pickle is an American Christmas tradition. A decoration in the shape of a pickle is hidden on a Christmas tree, with the finder receiving either a reward or good fortune for the next year. There are a number of different origin stories attributed to the tradition, including one originating in Germany. This theory has since been discounted, and it is now thought to be a German-American tradition created in the late 19th century. In fact, the New York Times reported that out of 2,057 Germans polled, YouGov determined 91% were unaware of the legend.

Contents

Description

In the tradition, an ornamental pickle is placed on a Christmas tree as one of the Christmas decorations. On Christmas morning, the first person to find the pickle on the tree would receive an extra present from Santa Claus or would be said to have a year of good fortune. [1]

Berrien Springs, Michigan, which billed itself as the Christmas pickle capital of the world, [2] held a pickle parade from 1992 until 2005. [3] [4] The Pickle Festival and parade returned in 2021 after a 16-year hiatus. [5] [4]

Origins

This tradition is commonly believed by Americans to come from Germany and be referred to as a Weihnachtsgurke (German for "Christmas pickle"), [6] [7] but this is probably apocryphal. [8] [6] [1] It has been suggested that the origin of the Christmas pickle may have been developed in the 1890s to coincide with the importation of glass Christmas tree decorations from Germany. Woolworths was the first company to import these types of decorations into the United States in 1890, [6] and glass blown decorative vegetables were imported from France from 1892 onwards. [9] Despite the evidence showing that the tradition did not originate in Germany, the concept of Christmas pickles has since been imported from the United States and they are now on sale in the country traditionally associated with it. [6]

One suggested origin has been that the tradition came from Camp Sumter during the American Civil War. The Bavarian-born Private John C. Lower had enlisted in the 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry, but was captured in April 1864 and taken to the prison camp. As the story is told, on Christmas Eve he begged a guard for a pickle while starving. The guard provided the pickle, which Lower later credited for saving his life. After returning to his family in Bavaria, he began a tradition of hiding a pickle on their Christmas tree each year. [1]

Another origin which comes from Berrien Springs is a Victorian era tale of St. Nicholas saving two Spanish children who were trapped in a barrel of pickles by an innkeeper, which actually derives from a much more gruesome medieval legend involving a cannibalistic butcher butchering and storing a group of boys in a barrel and St. Nicholas miraculously restoring and resurrecting them. [1] [10]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christmas</span> Holiday originating in Christianity, usually December 25

Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. A feast central to the liturgical year in Christianity, it follows the season of Advent or the Nativity Fast, and initiates the season of Christmastide, which historically in the West lasts twelve days and culminates on Twelfth Night. Christmas Day is a public holiday in many countries, is celebrated religiously by a majority of Christians, as well as culturally by many non-Christians, and forms an integral part of the holiday season surrounding it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christmas in Poland</span> Overview of the role of Christmas in Poland

Christmas in Poland is a major annual celebration, as in most countries of the Christian world. The observance of Christmas developed gradually over the centuries, beginning in ancient times; combining old Polish pagan customs with the religious ones introduced after the Christianization of Poland by the Catholic Church. Later influences include the mutual permeating of local traditions and various folk cultures. It is one of the most important religious holidays for Poles, who follow a somewhat strict traditional custom. Christmas trees are decorated and lit in family rooms on the day of Christmas Eve. Other trees are placed in most public areas and outside churches. Christmas in Poland is called "Boże Narodzenie", which translates to 'God's Birth'.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christmas tree</span> Tree that is decorated for Christmas

A Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer, such as a spruce, pine or fir, or an artificial tree of similar appearance, associated with the celebration of Christmas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Berrien Springs, Michigan</span> Village in Michigan, United States

Berrien Springs is a village in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,910 at the time of the 2020 census. The village is located within Oronoko Charter Township.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christmas lights</span> Decorative lighting used at Christmastime

Christmas lights are lights often used for decoration in celebration of Christmas, often on display throughout the Christmas season including Advent and Christmastide. The custom goes back to when Christmas trees were decorated with candles, which symbolized Christ being the light of the world. The Christmas trees were brought by Christians into their homes in early modern Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christmas ornament</span> Decoration typically placed on a Christmas tree

Christmas ornaments, baubles, globes, "Christmas bulbs", or "Christmas bubbles" are decoration items, usually to decorate Christmas trees. These decorations may be woven, blown, molded, carved from wood or expanded polystyrene, or made by other techniques.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Observance of Christmas by country</span>

The observance of Christmas around the world varies by country. The day of Christmas, and in some cases the day before and the day after, are recognized by many national governments and cultures worldwide, including in areas where Christianity is a minority religion. In some non-Christian areas, periods of former colonial rule introduced the celebration ; in others, Christian minorities or foreign cultural influences have led populations to observe the holiday.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christmas decoration</span> Decorations used during the Christmas period

A Christmas decoration is any of several types of ornamentation used at Christmastide and the greater holiday season. The traditional colors of Christmas are pine green (evergreen), snow white, and heart red. Gold and silver are also prevalent, as are other metallic colours. Typical images on Christmas decorations include Baby Jesus, Mother Mary, angels, Father Christmas, Santa Claus, and the star of Bethlehem. Advent wreaths, nativity scenes, illuminations, and Moravian stars are popular Christmas decorations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White House Christmas tree</span> Christmas tree inside the White House in Washington, DC, United States

The White House Christmas Tree, also known as the Blue Room Christmas Tree, is the official indoor Christmas tree at the residence of the president of the United States, the White House. The first indoor Christmas tree was installed in the White House sometime in the 19th century and since 1961 the tree has had a themed motif at the discretion of the First Lady of the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yule goat</span> Scandinavian decorative Christmas straw goat

The Yule goat is a Scandinavian and Northern European Yule and Christmas symbol and tradition. Its origin is from Germanic paganism and has existed in many variants during Scandinavian history. Modern representations of the Yule goat are typically made of straw.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Year tree</span> Decorated tree similar to Christmas tree

New Year trees are decorated trees similar to Christmas trees that are displayed to specifically celebrate the New Year. They should not be confused with the practice of leaving up a Christmas tree until after New Year's Day. New Year trees are common in various cultures and nations, chiefly the former Soviet Union, former Yugoslavia, Turkey, China and Vietnam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Christmas Tree (United States)</span> Large Christmas tree near the White House in Washington, D.C.

The National Christmas Tree is a large evergreen tree located in the northeast quadrant of the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, D.C. Each year since 1923, the tree has been decorated as a Christmas tree. Every year, early in December, the tree is traditionally lit by the President and First Lady of the United States. Every president since Franklin D. Roosevelt has also made formal remarks during the tree lighting ceremony.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pleated Christmas hearts</span>

Pleated Christmas hearts are Danish, Norwegian, and north German crafts, commonly used as Christmas ornaments.

The. Festival of Lights is an annual celebration held during December in Lihue, Kauai.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chichilaki</span> Georgian traditional Christmas tree

The chichilaki is a Georgian traditional Christmas tree made from dried hazelnut or walnut branches that are shaved to form a small coniferous tree. These pale-colored ornaments differ in height from 20 cm to 3 meters. Chichilakis are most common in the Guria and Samegrelo regions near the Black Sea, but they can also be found in some stores around the capital of Tbilisi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christmas in Sweden</span> Overview of the role and celebration of Christmas in Sweden

Christmas is celebrated throughout December and traditionally until St. Knut's Day on January 13. The main celebration and the exchange of gifts in many families takes place on Christmas Eve, December 24. The Feast of St. Lucy, a high point in the Swedish Christmas season, is celebrated during Advent, on December 13.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Czech folklore</span>

Czech folklore is the folk tradition which has developed among the Czech people over a number of centuries. Czech folklore was influenced by a mix of Christian and pagan customs. Nowadays it is preserved and kept alive by various folklore ensembles uniting members of all ages, from children to seniors, showing their talent during competitions, folklore festivals or other performances.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Legend of the Christmas Spider</span> Eastern European Christmas folktale

The Legend of the Christmas Spider is an Eastern European folktale which explains one possible origin of tinsel on Christmas trees. It is most prevalent in Western Ukraine, where small ornaments in the shape of a spider are traditionally a part of the Christmas decorations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christmas traditions</span> Overview of the various traditions practised at Christmas

Christmas traditions include a variety of customs, religious practices, rituals, and folklore associated with the celebration of Christmas. Many of these traditions vary by country or region, while others are practiced virtually identically worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I-17 Mystery Christmas Tree</span> Tree in Arizona

The I-17 Mystery Christmas tree is a living tree in the median of Interstate 17 (I-17) in the US state of Arizona that was decorated each Christmas by people not publicly known. The tree is located near milepost 254, approximately 55 miles (89 km) north of downtown Phoenix, Arizona, between Sunset Point and Cordes Junction.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Why do some people hang ornaments that look like pickles on their Christmas trees?". Tampa Bay Magazine: 91. November–December 2011. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  2. ↑ Rodeghier, Karen (21 December 1999). "Let's Go". Daily Herald. Retrieved 24 November 2012.(subscription required)
  3. ↑ Gregory, Leland (2010). Stupid Christmas. Kansas City, Mo.: Andrews McMeel. p. 88. ISBN   9780740799532.
  4. 1 2 "Berrien Springs returns with Pickle Festival after 16 year hiatus". ABC57. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  5. ↑ Report, Tribune Staff. "Berrien Springs Pickle Festival returns July 4 after 16-year hiatus". South Bend Tribune. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Russell, Nancy (14 December 2006). "German Gherkin Ornament Puts Historians in a Pickle". Columbia Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on 27 November 2016. Retrieved 24 November 2012.(subscription required)
  7. ↑ Labunski, Carla (12 December 1998). "Naperville Settlement Showcases Yule of Yore". Daily Herald. Retrieved 24 November 2012.(subscription required)
  8. ↑ Rutter, David (25 December 2005). "The true story has some folks up a tree, in a real pickle". Post-Tribune. Archived from the original on 10 June 2014. Retrieved 24 November 2012.(subscription required)
  9. ↑ Browne, Ray B; Browne, Pat (2001). The Guide to United States Popular Culture. Bowling Green, OH: Bowling Green State University Popular Press. p. 170. ISBN   9780879728229.
  10. ↑ "The Strange History of Traditions around the World". South Wales Echo. 19 November 1999. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 24 November 2012.(subscription required)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.