New Items Christmas Ornaments Collectibles Christmas Lights Christmas Trees Personalized Items Outdoor Décor Nativity Scenes Christmas Stockings Garland and Wreaths Seasonal Items Bronner's Souvenirs Advent Calendars Santa Suits and Hats Home & Holiday Décor Tree Accessories Gifts Sale Items About Bronner's Product Index	Home > Nutcrackers Nutcrackers are a traditional part of Christmas. These hand-painted wooden designs range from the old-world toy vendor to the radical car racer. Yes, they will crack nuts, but their real purposes are as classic holiday decorations. Nutcracker Clockmaker Nutcracker Drummer Mouse King Nutcracker Jim Shore Santa Nutcracker Santa on Sled Smoker Natural Santa Smoker Large Uncle Sam Nutcracker Uncle Sam Nutcracker Nutcrackers have long been a traditional symbol of Christmas. The original nutcrackers first originated in Germany, and were thought to have guardian-like properties because of their strong appearance. Nuts have long been a popular choice for desserts, particularly throughout Europe. The nutcrackers were placed on dining tables to serve as a fun and entertaining center of conversation while diners awaited their final course. At one time, nutcrackers were actually made of metals such as brass, and it wasn’t until the 1800’s in Germany that the popularity of wooden ones began to spread. While many of us envision the traditional nutcracker as a soldier of sorts, in times past the items could also represent animals such as birds, dogs, and crocodiles. It wasn’t until nutcrackers caught on with children as toys that the practical piece took on a new meaning, and served as a symbol at Christmas time. Smaller versions of these nutcrackers were often given to children in their Christmas stockings. Over one hundred years ago, the famous ballet called the Nutcracker Suite was first written, where a nutcracker given as a Christmas gift becomes a hero for the children. This ballet is now a classic to watch at Christmas time, and has lifted the nutcracker to new heights. Today, stores and workshops around the world often have large, life size nutcrackers standing in front of their doors. They symbolize strength and protection, as well as a sense of pride. Usually, the nutcracker’s uniform color is the traditional red, but many wear other colors such as dark green or blue. He also has a white beard most of the time, which is applied using different materials that can range from cotton to cloth. Nutcrackers hold a special place in many peoples’ hearts, and remind us of the wonderful joy we all experience during the Christmas season.
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