This is a set of three 5½ inch tall Nutcracker Ornaments. Their uniforms and hats are myrtle green, golden yellow, and red with gold accents. All three of them have dark sapphire blue gloves with gold glitter. This set of Nutcrackers comes from Krebs Glas Lauscha. Select this link to view our Ornament Sets.
Nutcrackers
Nutcrackers originated in the 19th century in the eastern region of Germany. Life was tough for many people, who worked long hours as miners and endured hardships and poverty. Often the miners watched as the fruits of their labor were confiscated by their superiors. Nutcrackers were cleverly designed to resemble the authoritarian figures of kings, policemen and soldiers. The townspeople enjoyed these caricatures of their rulers, since the nutcrackers were placed at their service to perform the lowly task of cracking nuts. No holiday table can be without a bowl of nuts and a handsome Nutcracker! Select this link to view our Old World Father Christmas Ornaments.
The Glass Nutcracker Ornament
Nutcrackers were traditionally dressed as soldiers and kings. In old Germany, it delighted villages to see these authoritarian figures doing menial tasks such as cracking nuts! A bowl of Christmas nuts was just not complete without a colorful German nutcracker standing at attention nearby. Nutcrackers were especially popular with Germans who coined the phrase, “Gott gibt die Nusse aber knacker muss man sie selbst” or “God gives the nuts but we have to crack them ourselves,” which was intended to teach children that life was hard but rewarding. This phrase made the nutcracker a favorite toy, possibly because it enabled children to reach one of life’s rewards more easily. Select this link to view our Nutcracker Ornaments.
King Ludwig II and Neuschwanstein Castle
King Ludwig II was the King of Bavaria during the late 1800’s. He is remembered for his lavish lifestyle, his passion for building magnificent castles and his obsession with the musical composer, Richard Wagner. He believed in enjoying life to the fullest. His extravagant manner led to such nicknames as the “dream king” or the “mad king” of Bavaria. His most famous castle, Neuschwanstein, is a glorious site to see! A picture out of a fairy tale, this popular castle is the most visited castle in Germany and the castle after which Cinderella’s Castle was fashioned. Select this link to view our Glass Angels.