100 Haikus - And I'm only on #7. I have quite a few to go but things are picking up here and I have a feeling you are going to like my next 93!
Pickle in the Tree
Oh my my! I have been MIA for a while and had no idea I hadn't been getting my Haikus out for everyone's enjoyment.
Now this week's Haiku is for those who are German. It's a Christmas tradition and many German families still, much like St. Nick (who comes on the 5th of December and brings fruits and candies), continue this ritual.
Christmas Haiku #7
Look for the Pickle,
Hiding In the Christmas Tree,
Is this German Lore?
The Christmas pickle is a Christmas tradition in the United States. A decoration in the shape of a pickle is hidden on a Christmas tree, with the finder receiving either a reward or good fortune for the following year. There are a number of different origin stories attributed to the tradition, but it was primarily thought to have originated in Germany. This has since been disproved and is now thought to be an American tradition from the late 19th century.
In fact, the tradition is completely unknown in Germany. It has been suggested that the origin of the Christmas pickle may have been developed for marketing purposes in the 1890s to coincide with the importation of glass Christmas tree decorations from Germany.
There are many other "stories" but no one knows for certain how this tradition began. All I know is that many familites in America still celebrate the Pickle.
The actual Poem that goes with the search for the Christmas Pickle is below:
The Christmas Pickle Poem
To start a tradition that will surely last,
Here’s the story about the pickle of glass.
The night before Christmas, it’s hung on the tree
While everyone’s sleeping, it’s done secretly.
And on Christmas morning, when you arise,
The first one to find it will get a surprise!
A family tradition for all to share,
You’ll look for the pickle year after year.
Are there any traditions that your family follows each year? To this day, our boys are 20 and 22 and we take them out for a drive to look at lights and see if we can spot Santa. An lo and behold, by the time we get home, Santa has already been there!
Comments(4)