The German Nutcracker

If you are interested in a german nutcracker you have find the right page. Find here all informations you need to know before buying a german nutcracker.

Where does the name come from?

The wooden Nutcrackerhas his name from the nutcracker bird. The This creature of the forest lives in Europe. It cracks seeds quickly with the hlp of its thick-billed structure.

History of the german nutcracker

The history of the wooden Nutcracker starts in 16th century in Germany. And of course it predates the ballet. Nutcrackers showed up in Germany's Erzgebirge region in 1725. Other estimations - like te town Seiffen - claim the nutcracker's official birth year as 1879. By teh way, Seiffen in Germany was home to many of the world's most famous toymakers.

Nutcracker's Legend

Erzgebirge legend: Long ago there lived a hardhearted and wealthy farmer. He promised a reward to anyone who could crack his walnuts. One day, a carver came from Seiffen and surprised the farmer with a wonderful wooden puppet. It was colourful painted with strong jaws, powerful enough to crack walnuts. Grateful, the miserly farmer rewarded the entire village.

According to another legend the nutcracker might also be symbolic. Erzgebirge residents suffered Germany's early political repression. So, toymakers constructed a wooden figure whose only military purpose was to crack nuts on command.

Traditional Look prefered

Most collectors want the traditional look. The designer nutcracker with more hair or fabric, a occupation nutcracker or women are very new. They came up in West Germany after World War II. That is true also for figures like Clara and the Mouse King from The Nutcracker ballet. As Germany divided, the trends divided too.

German Unification brought new trends

The East Germans stuck to the traditional nutcracker - the king and the guard. West Germany, however, expanded the nutcracker line. After reunification West German businesses bought the East German toy companies. The business nature changed while designs became more innovative. Women, traditionally excluded from the court, are now represented. There exist even nutcrackers who are riding Harleys.

The typical nutcracker collection

Tradition dominates in the Christmas list of German collectibles. The most important and also first piece in a nutcracker collection is the King. He is the "chief" and should be given due respect. The number two piece is a soldier who guards the King (see him in action in the video above!). The number three nutcracker in the collection is for good luck: the Chimney Sweep.

Nutcracker Material

Typically the nutcracker is made from pine, maple, beech or linden wood. The wood is first dried and then cured for several years. The figure is individually put together and painted manually.

Erzgebirge Santa Claus

Today, maybe the most popular german nutcracker is the Santa Claus from Erzgebirge. His elfin' self is aimed to bring you good cheer. The same is true for the Nutcracker Prince. Both Nutcrackers are associated with the Christmas season and are pieces of art. Enjoy them!

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