I had always heard about the "Christmas Pickle" but never knew of the Tradition behind it til now.
The Christmas Pickle Tradition
Legend has it during a terrible war, a soldier was captured and held prisoner. The conditions at the war camp were horrific and the man was dying. He begged a prison guard for one last wish, a pickle. The guard took pity on this poor man and gave him the pickle. The kindness of the guard and the nutrition of the pickle gave the prisoner hope and the physical and mental strength to survive. When the war ended and he was released, the soldier returned home to his family. He then began the tradition of hiding a pickle in his Christmas tree. The first person to find the hidden pickle would be blessed with a year of good luck and fortune.The Legend of the Christmas Pickle
Legend has it that the pickle symbolizes good luck, and in Old World Germany, it was the last ornament placed on the Christmas tree. The pickle was hung deep amongst the branches of the tree, not making it an easy quest. The first child to find it on Christmas morning was rewarded with an extra gift from St. Nicholas. The first adult to find the pickle traditionally gets good luck for the whole year!Christmas Pickle Poem:
To start a tradition that will surely last,
Here's the story about the pickle of glass.
The night before Christmas, it's hung on the tree
While everyone's sleeping, it's done secretly.
And on Christmas morning, when you arise,
The first one to find it will get a surprise!
A family tradition for all to share,
You'll look for the pickle year after year.
Legend of the Pickle Christmas Ornament Craft Kit
Each kit includes a printed card. Foam, googly eyes and satin ribbon for hanging. Makes 12 ornaments -.OrientalTradingCompany
The Christmas Pickle Book and Keepsake Ornament
There are many versions of how this tradition came to be, but until now, no one knew the truth! Join A Christmas Pickle Tradition on a journey to the Old North Pole where you’ll discover the story of Pickle Elf, and learn how the legend came to be.
- A Note From Santa:
Leave me the Pickle. To hang on your tree. By the milk and cookies. Is where it should be. When the morning time comes. No sneaking, be smart! You must wait for your family. For the search to start. On the count of three. Little feet start to run. The search for the pickle. Has finally begun! The lucky child. Who spots it on the tree. Will receive the first present. A gift just from me.
"Hide the pickle ornament the night before Christmas in the tree. In the morning watch your loved ones, big and small, search for the pickle." Follow us to the Old North Pole and discover the story of Pickle, one of Santa’s mischievous elves, as he learns the magic of giving from author Tammy Lee Dwyer who also is thee author of "Santa Took My Presents Back".
Printable Tags from BreezyTeacher
More Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_pickle
http://www.whychristmas.com/customs/christmaspickle
http://german.about.com/library/blgermyth11.htm
