Our Red and Gold Soldier
are 10 inches all and it standing on a red round base with gold trim. These Wooden Nutcrackers Soldiers jacket is glittery red and gold with gold and clear jewels lining the front of his jacket. His jacket has gold cuffs, collar, belt and his epaulets are gold looped fringe. The Nutcracker Soldiers pants are white with boots are black. This Wooden Nutcrackers Soldiers hat is a glittery red kepi style hat with a gold star, gold chain hanging down and a black brim. He has a black and gold scimitar at his waist. Select to see a complete listing of our Christmas Decorations Ideas.
The Story of The Nutcracker.
The combination of a useful tool and a figural form with a human appearance was well accepted by the mid 18th century. In the toy making center of Sonneberg, in the Thuringian Forest, there was mention in 1735 of nut biters that operated according to the principles of leverage. These nut biters were described as sturdy, energetic forms with large heads. Two moving arms on the back of the head allowed the lower jaw to push the nut against the upper jaw. In a carnival parade in 1783, students from Freisingen, Germany presented large models of Berchtesgaden wares, including a nut biter in the form of a little man whose mouth and stomach were one and the same. Select this link to view our Christmas Nutcrackers Village People.
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 Large Nutcrackers.
The practice of collecting nutcrackers in the United States began in the early 1950s. Many of the GIs 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 nutcrackers 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. Check out all our Nutcracker Ornaments for the holidays.
Christmas Story.
Starting on December 6th and lasting until January 6th, Christmastime is celebrated continually throughout Germany. It is a time for joy and thanks. Spirits run high as everyone comes together. Whether for dancing or just for entertainment, music is always played as part of the festivities. One of the most distinctive instruments heard in the nostalgic air is the horn. They are still heard today throughout the streets of German villages bringing laughter and cheer to all. Horns are used in churches across the world as a special addition to the liturgical season. Select this link to view our Wooden Nutcrackers Soldiers.
