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.
What is the story behind the Christmas pickle?
The story goes that a captured Union Army soldier was starving in a prison camp. On Christmas Eve, he begged a guard for a pickle. After returning home, the solider began the tradition of hanging a pickle on his familys tree each Christmas Eve.
Is hiding the pickle a German tradition?
Its really old, and its an ancient German tradition to hide it on the Christmas tree. If you find it first, you get good luck.
What is the German tradition for Christmas?
Many families in Germany put an Advent wreath on the living room table the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The wreaths have four large candles and, traditionally, pinecones and berries. As lights are dimmed, the whole family gathers around the wreath. As one, they spend a quiet, reflective hour together.
Are pickles German?
Pickles have been around for thousands of years, dating as far back as 2030 BC when cucumbers from their native India were pickled in the Tigris Valley. The word “pickle” comes from the Dutch pekel or northern German pókel, meaning “salt” or “brine,” two very important components in the pickling process.
What food does Germany eat on Christmas?
The traditional Christmas meal features duck, goose, rabbit or a roast. This main dish is accompanied by German delicacies such as apple and sausage stuffing, red cabbage and potato dumplings. Dessert typically includes Christmas Stollen, considered one of the best Christmas pastries in the world!
Where is the best place to spend Christmas in Germany?
Frohe Weihnachten! Germanys top 10 Christmas marketsStuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt, Stuttgart. Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt, Leipzig. Aachener Weihnachtsmarkt, Aachen. Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg. Münchner Christkindlmarkt, Munich. Hamburger Weihnachtsmarkt, Hamburg. Weihnachtsmarkt Schloss Guteneck, Guteneck.More items •Nov 29, 2019
What is the meaning of a pickle ornament?
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.
What do Germans call pickles?
Senfgurken is a German pickle that uses mustard, dill, and possibly other spices. These particular pickles are peeled before they are placed in the pickling brine. These pickles are basically refrigerator dill pickles. There are also commonly called mustard pickles.
What do most Germans eat on Christmas Eve?
The most popular Christmas Eve meal is potato salad. It is easy to prepare and delicious. Every family has their favorite version of potato salad. Another classic Christmas Eve meal is carp.
What desserts do Germans eat at Christmas?
Traditional Christmas Dessert Dishes Lebkuchen, a heart-shaped gingerbread cookie decorated with intricate icing patterns, is one of them. Plus, stollen, a German version of fruit cake, is a common dessert during the Christmas season.
Will German Christmas markets be open in 2021?
When do Christmas markets open in Germany this year?