Nutcrackers in America

Although these characters have been around for ages, they were not always the collectible items as we know them today. In fact the nutcracker only became popular in the United States about 60 years ago. The practice of collecting nutcrackers in the United States began in the early 1950’s. Many of the American soldiers who were in Germany during World War II visited the open air fairs and markets. Their they discovered the sturdy and intriguing wooden characters. When the soldiers returned home after the war, a new comrade came with them. Strengthened by the ability to ward off evil from its owners, the soldiers brought with them a figure of power and protection for their families and loved ones. And so with their rich European heritage the nutcrackers arrived in the United States.

Later when Tchaikowsky’s ballet, ‘The Nutcracker Suite’ that premiered in St. Petersburg in 1892, became popular in the United States in the 1950’s and ignited the passion for these fascinating creatures. The magic and mystery of the nutcracker ballet has intrigued and enchanted audiences year after year. The strong following of this classic production greatly increased the collectability of these popular nutcracker figures in America.

Nutcracker Trivia:

Nutcrackers were especially popular with Germans who coined the phrase, “Gott gibt die Nü sse aber knaker mü ss man sie selbst (God gives the nuts but we have to crack them ourselves)”. This story was intended to teach children that life was hard but rewarding. This little verse made it a favorite toy, possibly because it enabled children to reach one of life’s rewards more easily.
According to German folklore, they were given as keepsakes to bring good luck to your family and protect your home. The legend says that they represents power and strength and serves like a trusty watch dog guarding your family from evil spirits and danger. A fierce protector, they bare their teeth to the evil spirits and serves as the traditional messenger of good luck and goodwill.

One curious consequence of the Nutcracker ballets popularity has been to stimulate interest in the collection of historic nutcrackers. Many types of metal and wooden characters have been made through the centuries. The commercial production of the popular toy dates only from the 1870s in Germany. The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum in Washington State exhibits over 3,000 characters from around the world.

History of the Nutcracker Suite Ballet:

This famous play began life in 1816 written by the German writer E.T.A. Hoffman. The play was entitled “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” and it was a tale of an unhappy girl named Marie whose only love is a nutcracker doll.

The play was adapted in 1845 by famed French novelist Alexandre Dumas, who made the play more suitable for children. In 1891 the cheerier version of the ballet was chosen as the basis of a Russian ballet to be scored by Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Marius Petitpa and Lev Ivanov. Select the following link to view the Wooden Nutcracker Soldier.

The ballet opened in St. Petersburg on December 17, 1892. The ballet is the tale of a girl named Clara who is given a nutcracker doll for Christmas by her godfather, Drosselmaier. That night she falls asleep and is disturbed by an attack of mice led by the Mouse King, who wishes to take her away to his kingdom. She is rescued by soldiers of the Nutcracker who, as a prince, takes her to his land, a country full of sugarplums and waltzing flowers. She awakens the next morning with only the doll and memories of her Christmas adventure.

The original production was not an overwhelming success. Though popular in Russia it was never staged outside of that country until 1934, when it appeared in London. Since then numerous versions have been created, with the most successful being that by George Balanchine performed in 1954. The ballet is probably the world’s favorite ballet, being seen by millions each year, especially during the Christmas season.