Germany's Pickel Tree Ornament

I've had a friend from Germany come in for the holidays this year. I was trying to make conversation with him a few days ago so I asked him if they still put pickle ornaments on their tree or if that was an antiquated tradition.

He didn't have a clue what I was talking about.

I told him that I learned of it in World Showcase at Disney World and he told me at first that may have been a tradition in other parts of Germany he wasn't familiar with. But after we delved into the subject we learned that it's actually a German-American born here in the states.

Part of me laughed it off, with the thought of taking something I learned in a theme park as canon, but honestly, a much larger part of me was a little sad.

I love World Showcase so much, it's my favorite place in the World. I've heard all the stories about how meticulous Disney has been about bringing a truthful and accurate presentation of each country represented to light, so the fact that they got deked by this very false bit of tradition hurts my heart a bit, haha.

We have to remember Disney World is a place of Fantasy and imagination.

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Originally Posted by prickle

We have to remember Disney World is a place of Fantasy and imagination.

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That's right. Disney World is one giant movie set. Don't forget that we see Hollywood movies to escape reality.

Having travelled through Germany and have many German friends I can say the tradition of Weihnachtsgurke is a new one on them! However, one friend did say it could be connected to the fact Germany imports glass tree decorations to the states.

I have to admit, I bought a pickle ornament in the Germany Pavilion last Christmas. Even if it is a "made up" tradition, it is fun. Then again, every tradition has to start "somewhere". :mickeykid

:dizzy: This year, the big "fad" tradition seemed to be "Elf on the Shelf". I'd be curious to see if they find their way into the World Showcase Pavilion shops next year during the holidays. Disney is out to make $$$$$ afterall.

BTW - Browsing through the Oriental Trading catalog I found them selling the pickle ornaments for $1 each! ($12 per dozen) I paid ALLOT more than that at WDW. :faint:

Link HERE

My German neighbor doesn't celebrate this tradition- had no idea about it. Somewhere I have my pickle ornament- but it isn't on the tree. I put it away for "safe" keeping. No idea where.

I learned the same thing from German friends.

i actually grew up with the pickle in the tree tradition before going to disney world.
we also celebrate st. nick day by putting our shoes out and waking up on december 6th to find them stuffed with treats.