The German Christmas Pickle Ornament Tradition Explained
Why do people put a pickle on the Christmas tree? The Christmas pickle tradition is a festive holiday game involving a green, pickle-shaped glass ornament hidden among the branches of a Christmas tree. On Christmas morning, the first child to find the pickle receives good luck for the coming year and a special reward, often an extra gift or the chance to open the first present.
Although commonly called the German Christmas pickle tradition, the custom is more popular in American households than in Germany. Discover the meaning behind the Christmas pickle ornament, explore its unusual history and learn how to bring this fun tradition into your own home.
What Is the German Christmas Pickle Tradition?
The Christmas pickle tradition, sometimes called Weihnachtsgurke in German, involves hiding a glass pickle ornament on the Christmas tree for children to discover. Parents typically place the ornament deep within the branches on Christmas Eve, using its green color to camouflage it among the pine needles.
On Christmas morning, children search the tree for the hidden pickle. The first to find it receives a special reward, such as an extra Christmas present, a small treat or the opportunity to open the first gift. According to tradition, the winner also receives good fortune for the coming year.
Beyond the excitement of finding the hidden ornament, the Christmas pickle game encourages children to take their time and appreciate the beautiful decorations on the family Christmas tree.
What Does the Pickle on the Christmas Tree Mean?
The pickle ornament on a Christmas tree symbolizes good luck, holiday joy and family togetherness. The person who discovers the hidden pickle is traditionally rewarded with good fortune for the coming year.
For many families, the Christmas pickle has become a meaningful holiday keepsake passed down through generations. The annual search brings children and adults together for a friendly competition before opening presents.
Although the meaning of the Christmas pickle varies between families, the tradition commonly represents:
- Good Luck: The first person to find the pickle receives good fortune for the upcoming year.
- Holiday Generosity: The winner often receives an extra gift, candy or another special Christmas treat.
- Family Togetherness: Searching for the hidden ornament creates a memorable annual Christmas activity.
- Appreciation for Traditions: The game encourages children to admire the Christmas tree and its collection of treasured ornaments.
The Origin of the Christmas Pickle Tradition: Fact vs. Fiction
Despite its reputation as an old German Christmas tradition, the origin of the pickle ornament remains a mystery. Many Germans are unfamiliar with the custom, and historical evidence suggests the practice became popular in the United States during the late 1800s.
Two popular stories attempt to explain how the Christmas pickle tradition began:
- The German Glass Ornament Marketing Story: During the late 19th century, American retailers such as Woolworths began importing decorative glass ornaments from Germany. The ornaments included fruits and vegetables, possibly including pickles. Some historians and holiday enthusiasts believe retailers promoted the pickle as part of an ancient German Christmas custom to encourage sales. However, no definitive evidence establishes the marketing story as the tradition's true origin.
- The Civil War Soldier Story: Another legend tells of Bavarian-born Union soldier John Lower, who was captured during the American Civil War. According to the tale, Lower became seriously ill in a prison camp and begged a guard for a pickle. The guard granted his request, and Lower survived. He later began hanging a pickle on his family's Christmas tree as a reminder of his good fortune. While memorable, the story remains an unverified holiday legend.
Although the Christmas pickle may not have originated as an authentic German custom, German glassmakers have a long history of producing decorative Christmas tree ornaments. The tradition continues to bring holiday cheer to families across the United States.
Explore our collection of traditional German Christmas gifts to discover more festive decorations and holiday collectibles.
How to Hide the Pickle on the Christmas Tree
Starting your own Christmas pickle tradition is easy! All you need is a pickle-shaped Christmas ornament, a decorated tree and a special prize for the winner.
- Choose a Christmas Pickle Ornament: Select a traditional green glass pickle ornament for your Christmas tree. Pickle ornaments come in different sizes and shades of green, making some easier to find than others.
- Hide the Pickle on Christmas Eve: After the children have gone to bed, tuck the pickle ornament deep within the Christmas tree branches. Place it among the pine needles or behind other decorations for an extra challenge.
- Begin the Christmas Morning Search: Gather everyone around the tree and announce the start of the pickle hunt. Encourage participants to look carefully without moving or removing other ornaments.
- Reward the Winner: The first person to spot the pickle receives a special Christmas gift, the privilege of opening the first present or another reward chosen by your family.
For younger children, consider hiding the pickle on a lower branch where everyone can participate. Families with older children can make the game more challenging by placing the ornament higher or deeper within the tree.
Shop Christmas Pickle Ornaments and Traditional German Decorations
Ready to start your own Christmas pickle tradition? A decorative glass pickle ornament adds a playful touch to your Christmas tree and creates a fun holiday activity for the whole family.
GermanSteins.com offers traditional German Christmas tree ornaments, including festive glass decorations inspired by Old World holiday traditions. Explore our selection of Christmas pickle ornaments and other authentic German decorations to bring a little extra holiday cheer into your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About the German Pickle Ornament
What is the meaning of the pickle on the Christmas tree?
The pickle on the Christmas tree symbolizes good luck and holiday generosity. According to the Christmas pickle tradition, the first child to find the hidden ornament receives good fortune for the coming year and often wins an extra Christmas present or special treat.
Is the pickle ornament a real German tradition?
The Christmas pickle is commonly described as a German tradition, but it is not widely practiced in Germany. Its origins remain uncertain, although the custom may have developed in the United States during the late 1800s alongside the growing popularity of imported German glass Christmas ornaments.
Why do people hide a pickle in the Christmas tree?
Families hide a pickle ornament in the Christmas tree as part of a festive holiday game. The ornament's green color helps it blend into the branches, making it difficult to spot. The first person to find the pickle traditionally wins a reward and good luck for the upcoming year.
When do you put the pickle on the Christmas tree?
The Christmas pickle is traditionally hidden on Christmas Eve after children have gone to bed. On Christmas morning, family members search for the hidden ornament before opening their presents.
What gift does the finder of the Christmas pickle receive?
The finder of the Christmas pickle typically receives an extra small gift, a special treat or the privilege of opening the first Christmas present. Some families create their own rewards, making the tradition easy to personalize.
What is a Christmas pickle ornament called in German?
The Christmas pickle ornament is commonly called Weihnachtsgurke, combining the German words for Christmas (Weihnachten) and cucumber (Gurke). Despite its German name, the pickle-hiding tradition is more familiar to Americans than to most families in Germany.