Each December, the nutcracker returns to the spotlight to shine as it usually does on this season; showing up in living rooms, Christmas shops, and theaters. Today, the nutcracker is known as one of the most visible symbols of the winter holiday, however in the past, what it meant, was far away from any festivity.
How did a kitchen tool become an icon that millions associate with Christmas? The tale is really interesting. It begins in a German workshop and ends up with an incredible ballet that consolidates its imaginary scenario.
From tool to protective figure
In its original meaning, the nutcracker was a household utensil designed to break nuts by mechanical pressure—which is literally what its name says. But over time, that object adopted a very particular decorative design: wooden dolls with a serious face, prominent jaw and a rear lever that opened and closed the mouth.
The first nutcrackers with this kind of “human” design were made in Germany around the 15th century. And they were given a protection character. Usually they were placed in households as a symbol of fortune and protection agains bad vibes.
During the 18th century, German artisans improved their design: they carved them in fir or beech wood, painted them by hand and added details like beards, military uniforms and crowns. Although today you can find all kinds of fabricated versions in many deferent materials, the classical model is the wooden one. It’s still the most valuable, especially for collectors and christmas tradition lovers.
From the story to the collective imagination
The Nutcracker went over a long path of transformations:
- In 1816 when German author E.T.A. Hoffmann published The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which shares the tale of a young girl who receives a nutcracker as a Christmas present. During the night, the doll comes to life to battle an army of mice. A story in which a family treasure works as a protection in a dangerous situation.
- After that, Alexander Dumas, adapted the story in kinder and kid-friendly version, that became even more popular in history—and outside Germany. From that literary road, the nutcracker turned into a symbolic character beyond its real practical function. Becoming a brave soldier with a purpose.
- Since that story, the item has become a huge inspiration for many illustrated books, films, graphic novels and contemporary reinterpretations around the globe.
Each new version keeps the core of the story and, at the same time, inviting new generations to discover it.
A trajectory sealed by ballet
Piotr Ilich Chaikovsky premiered the ballet “The Nutcracker,” on Christmas Eve (end of the 19th century) which finally transformed the doll into a symbol of the season. Since then, ballet is performed each December, to make that connection stronger.
This tradition also influenced the decoration of homes and public spaces: the wooden soldier came to take a central place in showcases and rooms, as a sign of welcome to the festive spirit.
What did you think it was the real story of the so famous christmas item?
Now you know why the nutcracker joins together practicality, memories, and spectacle. Although it was born as a kitchen tool. It has had a long life, and full of challenges: starting as a wooden artisan, and then becoming a soldier and protector until deciding to give a change to literature in a kid-friendly path, that finally let it to find its real call, which was ballet… where he still shines every year through the holiday spirit.
It’s true evidence of how the ordinary can become an something really special for millions of people when you use your imagination.