Uncovering the History and Meaning Behind the Christmas Pickle Tradition

The Christmas tradition of hanging a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree is a quirky and fun way to add an extra touch of holiday cheer to your decorations. But where did this tradition come from and what does it symbolize? The Christmas pickle ornament is a consistent best-selling ornament at Old World Christmas. Here’s the history and meaning behind the Christmas pickle.

The origins of the Christmas pickle tradition are somewhat mysterious and there are several theories as to how it began. One of the most popular theories is that the tradition originated in Germany in the late 19th century. According to this story, a man named John Lower was imprisoned in Germany and was given a pickle as his only food. He was eventually freed and became a pickle maker, creating the first Christmas pickle ornament as a symbol of good luck and hope.

Another theory is that the Christmas pickle is a symbol of good luck, with the tradition dating back to ancient times when pickles were believed to have special powers. In this interpretation, the pickle is seen as a symbol of hope, reminding people that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light.

Regardless of its origins, the Christmas pickle has become a beloved holiday tradition for many families. The tradition usually involves hiding the pickle ornament somewhere on the Christmas tree and then having children search for it on Christmas morning. The first person to find the pickle is said to receive an extra present or good luck for the coming year.

Pickle ornaments come in many different shapes and sizes. Old World Christmas features the traditional pickle ornament as well as the mini gurken, sweet pickle, the glistening pickle, pickle chips, and the entire jar of pickles. We are not short on pickles! Some families collect pickle ornaments and add to their collection each year.

The Christmas pickle is not just limited to ornaments, however. The tradition has recently spread to other holiday decorations, such as Christmas tree toppers, stockings, and even wrapping paper. This has made the Christmas pickle a versatile and fun way to add some extra holiday cheer to your decorations.

In addition to being a memorable and quirky tradition, the Christmas pickle is also a great way to bring a little extra magic to the holiday season. The search for the pickle is an exciting activity for kids and adults alike, adding an extra layer of anticipation to Christmas morning. The Christmas pickle is a unique tradition that has become a staple of many families’ holiday celebrations. Whether you believe in its powers of good luck or simply enjoy the fun of finding the pickle on Christmas morning, the pickle will bring a smile to your face and make your holiday season a little brighter. So, if you’re looking for a new way to add some extra holiday cheer to your Christmas decorations, consider adding a pickle ornament to your tree this year.