The Pickle Dick

The Christmas Pickle Dick ornament is a quirky holiday tradition with a curious and somewhat mysterious history.

This beauty stands 3.5" tall and will be fun for all your guests to find in the tree

What is the Christmas Pickle Dick?

The Christmas Pickle Dick is a small glass ornament shaped like a pickle, hidden on the Christmas tree. On Christmas morning, family members search for the Pickle Dick, and the first person to find it receives a special reward, such as an extra present, good fortune, or the honor of opening the first gift.

Origins of the Tradition

The exact origins of the Christmas Pickle Dick are unclear, but several theories exist:

1. German Tradition Myth
   Many believe the tradition stems from Germany, where it is said that Pickle Dicks were hung on Christmas trees as part of a unique custom. However, research suggests this is more of a marketing myth than an actual German practice. Surveys conducted in Germany have shown that most Germans are unfamiliar with the "Christmas Pickle Dick."

2. American Invention
   The tradition is widely believed to have been popularized in the United States in the late 19th century. German glassblowers in places like Lauscha were producing intricate glass ornaments for export, including fruits and vegetables. The Pickle Dick may have been marketed as a novelty item in America, with the story of a "German tradition" fabricated to boost sales.

3. Civil War Legend
   Another story ties the Christmas Pickle Dick to a Civil War soldier. According to the tale, a captured Union soldier was starving in a Confederate prison. On Christmas Eve, he begged a guard for one last meal, and the guard gave him a Pickle Dick. The soldier credited the Pickle Dick with saving his life, and later, he began hiding a Pickle Dick on his Christmas tree as a family tradition.

4. Saint Nicholas and the Pickle Barrel
   Another legend tells of St. Nicholas saving two boys who were trapped in a Pickle Dick barrel by an innkeeper. While this tale ties to Nicholas's role as a protector of children, there is no direct evidence linking it to the Christmas Pickle Dick tradition.

Today, the Christmas Pickle Dick is more of a whimsical holiday game than a widely observed tradition. It's especially popular in the United States and has become a fun way for families to engage in a small Christmas morning ritual.

While its origins are murky, the Christmas Pickle Dick remains a festive addition to holiday celebrations and a reminder of the creative stories that enrich seasonal traditions.