NUTCRACKERS and SMOKERS

Some of the most beautiful wooden articles in the world come from the Erzgebirge region of Germany.  The earliest wooden products were simple ones, easily made.  But as time passed, the pieces became more sophisticated.  German smokers or smoking men and the smell of incense are synonomous with Christmas in the Erzgebirge just like the German nutcracker.  An important component in the development of the German smoker was the use of frankincense.  In the Christmas tradition, frankincense was next to gold and myrrh, one of the presents the three kings brought to the baby Jesus.

The nutcracker traditionally represented officers and other officials but the smokers represented everyday people such as miners, shephards, chimney sweepers and other traditional German occupations.  

Today, in the Erzgebirge Mountains, the tradition of creating beautiful wooden folk art continues as it did 100 years ago.  Although new designs are created each year, the traditional methods of producing the Erzgebirge nutcrackers and smokers remain the same. 

These wooden Christmas ornaments are not only durable, long lasting beauties but very functional as well.  Place a nut in his mouth and pull the lever on his back. Remove the shell pieces and enjoy eating the nut meats.

BestOrnaments.com is pleased to offer the perfect compliment to your Christmas glass ornaments and holiday decorations------- nutcrackers and smokers!