Our Kurt Adler Glass Pickle Ornaments are 4½ inches long and 1 inch in diameter. This pickle is emerald green with a shiny mirror like finish. Has a decorative metal gold facetted top and ornament hanger. Comes in colorful window gift box. This pickle is part of the Kurt Adler Kringle Glass Collection. Select to see a complete listing of our Christmas Decorations Ideas. The Story of the Pickle
The Legend of Saint Nikolaus
The pickle ornament was considered a very special tree decoration by many families in Germany. There, the fir tree was traditionally decorated on Christmas Eve. For good luck, the pickle always was the last ornament to be hung on the tree with mother and father hiding it in the green boughs among the other ornaments. When the children were allowed to view the splendor of the decorated tree on Christmas morning they would gleefully begin searching for the pickle ornament. They knew that whoever found that special ornament first, would receive an extra little gift left by St. Nicholas for the most eager child. Select this link to view our Other Glass Blown Ornaments.
In German speaking countries and Holland and Belgium as well, December 6th is the most distinctive children's festival of the year. St. Nikolaus Eve is a time of festive stir, it is a time of whispers and giggles, and of heavy steps on the stairs. Shops are full of many shaped biscuits, gilt gingerbreads, sugar images, toys and other little gifts. Select this link to view our Miniature Ornaments.
It is not easy to uncover the historic facts about Saintt Nikolaus, the fourth century Greek bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, who died on December 6th, 343. In Eastern Europe, Southern Italy and among the Greeks, he is revered most of all as the patron saint of seafaring men.
In many regions, the festivities originally attributed to the gift giving St. Nikolaus have been transferred to Christmas, yet in Western and Southern Germany, in Austria, Switzerland, and the Low Countries, December 6 remains a day of joy for children. Select this link to view our Christmas Books.
When evening comes, St. Nikolaus, a reverend grey haired figure with flowing beard, will knock on doors and enquire about the behavior of the children. The custom of examining the children, where they will deliver a verse, sing, or otherwise show their skills, is still widespread in some countries. Select this link to view our Old World Father Christmas Ornaments.
St. Nikolaus traditions vary as widely from region to region as his guise and name. He appears as Ruhklas, Pelznickel, Klasbur, etc. He is afoot or astride a white horse, a mule, or even a goat. Select this link to view our Glass Snowman Ornaments.
St. Nikolaus also appears together with St. Peter, an angel, and the Christ child. As the splendor of the candle lit Christmas tree and emphasis on the birth of Christ, began to shift the function of the gift giving St. Nikolaus, Knecht Ruprecht became the servant and companion of the Christchild. In this role Ruprecht became the patron saint of Christmas and was called "Weihnachtsmann," literally Christmas Man, Father Christmas or Santa Claus. Select this link to view our Other Glass Blown Ornaments.





