Traditional Christmas Ornaments across Europe: From Pickles and Pigs to Mushrooms & More
Europe's rich tapestry of unique Christmas symbols are starting to spread worldwide; however, sometimes, the significance can get lost in translation. Look beyond the beauty of these ornaments to understand their story and charm to enhance your festive season this year.
1. Lucky Mushroom
The bright red-and-white Amanita muscaria mushroom, known in German as Glückspilz (lucky mushroom), is considered a symbol of good fortune. In German, Austrian, and Slavic traditions, finding one brings prosperity for the coming year. This mushroom has become a popular ornament for Christmas trees and homes, symbolising joy and well-being.
2. Lucky Pigs
In Germany and Austria, pigs are symbols of wealth and abundance. Small pig ornaments, or even edible marzipan pigs, are exchanged during Christmas and New Year's as a way to wish others luck and prosperity. The tradition extends to Christmas tree decorations, where these pigs serve as reminders of good fortune.
3. Christmas Pickle
The Christmas pickle, or Weihnachtsgurke, is a curious German tradition. A pickle ornament is hidden among the branches of the Christmas tree, and the first person to find it on Christmas morning is said to receive good luck for the following year. This quirky symbol adds a playful element to the holiday and is growing in popularity outside Europe.
4. Silent Night Chapel
In Austria, the small chapel in Oberndorf where the famous Christmas carol "Silent Night" was first performed in 1818 holds deep significance. Many Europeans make pilgrimages to this chapel as part of their Christmas traditions, celebrating the peaceful and reverent spirit of the holiday. The chapel itself has inspired numerous ornaments, often depicting it covered in snow with soft glowing lights.
5. Lucky Frogs
In central European folklore, frogs are symbols of renewal, transformation, and good fortune. Often seen as a harbinger of rain and abundance, these creatures have hopped their way into Christmas ornament collections across Europe. Glass frog ornaments, delicately crafted and often hand-painted, are popular in countries like Germany, where they’re thought to bring prosperity for the year ahead.
6. Christmas Angels
Angels play a central role in many European Christmas traditions, symbolising protection and divine guidance. Handcrafted angel ornaments are particularly popular in places like Poland, where they’re made from wood, straw, or glass. These decorations represent peace and goodwill, making them cherished additions to Christmas trees and holiday displays.
8. The Christmas Spider
According to Ukrainian and German legend, a poor widow and her children had no decorations for their Christmas tree. Overnight, friendly spiders spun webs around the tree, and when the family awoke, the webs were transformed into glistening strands of silver and gold. This story is often linked to the origins of tinsel, and many Ukrainian families still decorate their trees with spider ornaments to honor this tale of hope and beauty.
9. Christmas Roosters
In many Spanish and Latin American countries, the rooster plays a symbolic role in Christmas traditions. The "Misa del Gallo," or Mass of the Rooster, is a midnight mass held on Christmas Eve, named after the rooster’s crow at the birth of Christ. Roosters are seen as symbols of vigilance and triumph over darkness, which is why a rooster ornament often adorns trees, reminding families of the joy and light brought by Christmas.
10. Christmas Acorns
Acorns are more than just autumnal decorations. In Germany, the acorn is a symbol of strength and potential, representing the mighty oak tree it will grow into. Adding an acorn ornament to your tree is believed to bring good luck, protection, and the reminder that great things come from small beginnings. This humble yet powerful symbol has become a meaningful part of European holiday traditions.
This collection of European symbols adds rich meaning to Christmas celebrations. Whether it’s the joyous image of a lucky mushroom, the promise of prosperity with a pig, or the playful hunt for the Christmas pickle, each ornament carries its own story. Adding these traditional symbols to your Christmas decor can infuse your holiday with layers of history, culture, and good fortune.