The Christmas Pickle Tradition: A Family Legend or Hoax?
Every year, as cold winter air rolls in, my wife and I get a nostalgic kick from playing 'hide the pickle' on Christmas Eve. This age-old game, wrapped in the cozy blankets and warming hearths of the household, is not just a tradition; it's a cherished family story that dates back to our German ancestors.
Yes and No
While we do participate in the pickle tradition in our home, it's always a bit humorous when we think about it. A majority of the family find the pickle hidden by one of us, usually to ensure a chilly adventure the next day as we scramble to locate it.
What the Duck is a “Pickle Tradition”?
Whenever guests ask about our Christmas traditions, the pickle game often leads to puzzled glances. I must admit, it's a bit peculiar to hear of sizable pickle decorations in the German culture. However, as I dug deeper, I discovered that the Christmas pickle tradition is a bit of a folk tale.
Origins of the Christmas Pickle Tradition
According to family lore, our great-grandparents brought the tradition with them when they immigrated from Germany in the 1880s. Stories from my mother, who has traveled to Germany to explore her ancestry, paint a picture of a German household where ornaments were indeed part of the Christmas charm. Yet, when I brought up the Christmas pickle tradition to her, she chuckled and responded, 'Never heard of it.'
Myth or Legend?
The 'Pickle tradition' gained popularity when Woolworth stores began selling German-made glass ornaments in the late 1880s. Legends have it that the last ornament hung on the tree was a pickle, symbolizing good luck, and that the first child to spot it could claim an extra gift. However, it remains a myth that the pickle tradition was part of German culture for generations. The truth is, many Germans haven't even heard of the Christmas pickle tradition.
Our Family's Twist on the Tradition
While we do partake in the pickle tradition, our choice of pickle has a twist. Instead of using a typical Christmas pickle, we opt for pickled herring, a traditional Scandinavian dish. My wife's family's origins in Norway play a significant role in this culinary twist. However, we don't hang any pickled herring on the tree—much to our cat's dismay, who keeps an eye out for any treats that might fall!
Neighbors and Curiosities
Interestingly, I know of a couple of neighbors who also indulge in the pickle tradition. One year, I found a glass pickle on a neighbor's tree during an evening stroll. The other neighbor, who handmade her own pickle, ruined the appeal of store-bought ones for me forever. It goes to show that while the tradition may be family-specific, the joy of finding the pickle remains universal.
A Final Twist
Finding the hidden pickle has become a cherished tradition in our home. Some might argue it's merely a myth, but for us, it represents family legacy and the warmth of a shared cultural heritage. Whether hidden tradition or just a fun game, the pickle remains a symbol of Christmas magic that brings smiles and laughter to us each year.