Gurke Pickle Ornament

Legend says that pickle ornaments were considered a special decoration by many families in Germany where the fir tree was decorated on Christmas Eve. It was always the last ornament to be hung in the green boughs. When the children were allowed to view the tree, they would begin gleefully searching for the pickle ornament. The children knew that whoever first found the special ornament would receive an extra little gift left by St. Nicholas for the most observant child.

This tradition has become very popular in our small, German town. Some families award the person who finds the pickle ornament with a jar of Fickle Pickles. Some families say that the lucky child who finds the pickle gets to pass out the Christmas presents or is just blessed with good luck in the new year.

One family we know has no small children to find the pickle. So, the adults play. They each chip in $20 to a pot, and who ever finds the pickle, gets the pot. If they don't find the pickle, they hold on to the winnings and add to them the following year.

Tips for playing:

1. No touching the tree while you look. If you touch the ornaments you are disqualified.
2. The older the players, the smaller the pickle.
3. The pickle is hid in plain sight. It is surprisingly difficult to find a green ornament on a green tree.

Gift Details:

• Materials: blown glass
• Made in Germany by Inge Glas
• Wrapped in acid free paper, the colors will last for generations
• Dimensions: 3 X 1.25 X 1 (HxLxW)