SOMETHING TO BE SAID ABOUT NUTCRACKERS

It is said that people in early civilizations first cracked nuts with stones (because they were too hard for teeth to crack). Excavations have actually revealed nutshells that were probably broken that way. Pitted stones have been found around the U.S. and Europe dating back 4,000 to 8,000 years ago. After that, the form and function of nutcrackers through the centuries has continued to evolve.

Nowadays nutcrackers are not only found in our homes in the most simplistic forms (a functional step above stones), but are available as sophisticated, highly designed, collector´s items and sought after as special occasion gifts and for home décor.

The Legend(s)

1) Once upon a time there was a rich, mean farmer who promised a reward to anyone who would crack his walnuts. So, a carver came and surprised the farmer with a wonderful wooden toy that was painted in bright colors and had strong jaws that were powerful enough to crack the walnuts. The farmer was so happy, he rewarded the entire village.

2) The term, "nutcracker", appeared in the dictionary of the Brothers Grimm and was defined as "often in the form of a misshaped little man, in whose mouth the nut, by means of a leaver or screw, is cracked open."

3) German legend has it that nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bring good luck to the home. They represented power and strength and would serve the family faithfully like a dragon at the door, protecting you from thieves and danger. Superstition also had it that their fierce expressions would ward off evil spirits.

4) A great love of nutcrackers emerged from The Nutcracker Suite, a fairy tale ballet that inspired families around the world. It was based on the story of "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by E.T.A. Hoffman that was set to music by Tchaikovsky. The Nutcracker Suite, which brings soldier nutcrackers to life and makes them heroes of the day, opened in 1892 and is now one of the most popular ballets, performed mostly around Christmastime.

After using stones, nutcrackers were made very simply from two pieces of wood fastened together by a leather strap. By the 15th and 16th Centuries, wood carvers in Europe were creating beautiful wooden nutcrackers, and by the 18th and 20th Centuries, carvers were producing many carved nutcrackers in the likeness of animals and humans.

Today´s hand carved wooden nutcrackers are not only functional, but considered collector´s items and add a touch of Americana to the old-world pieces steeped in European culture. They echo the primitive look of early American folk art so popular in today´s home design and make excellent gifts for special occasions.

Something as common and seemingly mundane as a folk-art nutcracker has now become a family heirloom due to the unique character of each hand carved piece and the artistic endeavor to reach the final representation. Some nutcrackers even represent famous people in history like the General Robert E. Lee Nutcracker, who is all decked out in a Civil War uniform.

There is something to be said for the homely nutcracker, so often underrated in the world of antiques and collectability. If it doesn´t actually ferociously guard your home, or if it doesn´t add appeal to your home decorating efforts, if it doesn´t remind you of a delightful ballet, then it can still do one thing well and probably better than using 2 stones. It can crack nuts! To learn more, go to http://virginiabornandbred.com