The Nutcracker Drummer Ornaments are about 5½ inches tall. The Drummer is wearing a tall black, bearskin style, hat with no fur. His uniform is dark periwinkle with gold decorations, gold epaulettes and white cuffs. His trousers are red with gold strips and his boots are black with gold antiquing. The Nutcracker Drummer is tapping out a cadence on a red and white drum that is strapped around his neck. Select this link to view our Nutcracker Ornaments.
How Nutcrackers Came to America
Nutcrackers have always been enjoyed for their whimsical expressions, authentic costumes, and enigmatic charm. However, nutcrackers also possess a rich history that goes back about 300 years. Nutcrackers carry with them a sense of tradition as well as an abundance of stories and legends of the past. Although nutcrackers have been around forages, they were not always the collectible items as we know them today. In fact, nutcrackers only became popular in the United States about 50 years ago. Select this link to view our Wooden Nutcracker Ornaments.
The practice of collecting nutcrackers in the United States began in the early 1950’s. Many of the GI's who were in Germany during World War II visited open air fairs or markets in Germany. It was there that they discovered a sturdy and intriguing companion in the nutcracker. When the soldiers returned home after the war, a new comrade accompanied them. Strengthened by the nutcracker’s ability to ward off evil from its owners, the soldiers brought a figure of power and protection to their families and loved ones. And so, the nutcrackers with their rich heritage had arrived in the United States, and were here to stay. Select this link to view our Short Chubby Drummer.
When Tchaikowsky’s ballet, The Nutcracker Suite premiered in St. Petersburg in 1892, the popularity of nutcrackers grew tremendously. The ballet became very popular in the United States in the early 1950’s and ignited the passion for these fascinating creatures. The magic and mystery of the ballet has intrigued and enchanted audiences year after year. The strong following of this classic production greatly increased the popularity of collecting nutcrackers in America. Select this link to view our Slender Drummer Nutcrackers.
Nutcracker History
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 Miniature Drummer Nutcrackers.
Nutcrackers were especially popular with Germans who coined the phrase, “Gott gibt die Nüsse aber knaker müss 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 Fisherman Nutcrackers.