Every December, the nutcracker It reappears in shop windows, living rooms, theaters and Christmas markets. For many, it is a classic ornament, however, Behind that cute little wooden soldier there is a story that combines craftsmanship, tradition and literature.
Today it is established as one of the most recognizable symbols of Christmas, but In the past it had other meanings very far from the festivities.
What are nutcrackers and what were they used for?
In its original meaning, the nutcracker was a household utensil designed to crack nuts using mechanical pressure.
Over time, this functional object adopted a very particular decorative form: wooden dolls with a serious face, prominent jaw and a rear lever that allowed the mouth to open and close.
The first human-shaped nutcrackers emerged in Germany around the 15th century.. At that time, they were attributed a protective and They were placed in homes as symbols of good fortune and defense against bad energies..
During the 18th century, German craftsmen began to perfect their designcarving them out of fir or beech wood, painting them by hand and adding details such as beards, military uniforms and crowns.
Although today there are versions made of various materials, the classic wooden model continues to be the most valued, especially among collectors and lovers of the Christmas tradition.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
The figure of the Nutcracker took a definitive turn in 1816, when the German writer ETA Hoffmann published the story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
The story tells how a girl receives a nutcracker as a Christmas gift and, during the night, the doll comes to life to face an army of mice.
This story transformed the Nutcracker into a character full of symbolism, where the everyday mixes with the fantastic. Years later, the story was adapted by Alexandre Dumas in a more child-friendly version.which helped further popularize the story outside of Germany.
The definitive link with Christmas
This happened at the end of the 19th century, when the composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky premiered the ballet The nutcracker. Set on Christmas Eve, the play made the character an emblem of the season.associated with childhood, dreams and imagination.
Since then, the ballet has been performed recurrently every December, reinforcing the connection between the Nutcracker and Christmas celebrations. This theatrical tradition It also influenced the decoration of homes and public spaces, where the little soldier began to occupy a central place..
Today, and beyond the original story, the Nutcracker has inspired illustrated books, films, graphic novels and contemporary reinterpretations.
