When most people hear the word nutcracker, they think of the mechanical tool that resembles a pair of pliers that is used for cracking open hard to shell nuts or crab legs. The more whimsical of us think of the carved Christmas decorations that add a touch of tradition and old fashioned feeling to Holiday decor. I am an amateur nutcracker collector, having started my collection just a few years ago. Every year since I started my collection I look forward to decorating my home for the Christmas season with my still small, but beloved collection. Initially, my children found the nutcrackers to be a bit odd and unappealing, but now they love them as much as I do. Here are some interesting facts on nutcrackers.
The Origin Of Nutcrackers. The wooden carvings in the form of kings and soldiers with the large mouths have been in existence since the fifteenth century. The original production of nutcrackers began as what is commonly referred to as a cottage industry in rural woodlands of Germany. A cottage industry employs a large number of workers that perform their work in the privacy of their own home. Carving wooden nutcrackers was often the only income these families could rely on and took great pride in their handcrafted designs. The most famous nutcrackers were crafted in Sonneberg and the Ore Mountains of Germany.
The Design Of Nutcrackers. Many people have wondered why the most traditional style of nutcrackers are in the likenesses of kings, soldiers or knights. The original crafters of nutcrackers led very difficult lives. Living hand to mouth, the resentment of those with authority was prevalent. The opinion was that these authority figures did not care about the poor and that they were to blame for the difficulties faced by those living in the forests. They designed the nutcrackers in the likeness as a way to be on top for a change. The king would now serve the purpose of cracking the nuts for the poor instead of the poor constantly being at the service of the rich. Another speculation is that the stern expressions of the nutcrackers would help to drive away evil and malevolent spirits from people’s homes. Although modern day nutcrackers are crafted in many different styles, most collectors prefer the original designs.
Another Use For Nutcrackers. In the nineteenth century, nutcrackers became a popular children’s toy. This fact figures predominately in the very famous ballet, “The Nutcracker,” which is frequently performed at Christmas time.
Crazy For Nutcrackers? If you appreciate the beauty and history of nutcrackers, you can visit the Nutcracker Museum in Leavenworth, Washington.
The original wooden nutcracker was crafted with a large mouth to hold the nut and a lever on the back to effectively split the nut. With the advent of the more efficient and smaller mechanical version, the wooden nutcrackers have taken their place as a traditional and popular Christmas decoration. Collecting nutcrackers gives me great joy and I love giving them as gifts at Christmas. There are very large nutcrackers that can stand on the floor and flank both sides of your Christmas tree. There are tabletop variations that look lovely lined up on a mantel or in a Bay window. Start your nutcracker collection this Christmas and enjoy adding new pieces to it every year. Trendy Christmas decorations go in and out of style every year. The nutcracker is a traditional Christmas decoration that will never go out of style.
Sources: www.Wikipedia.org
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