The Christmas Pickle: Louisiana’s Most Quirky Holiday Tradition

The Christmas Pickle: A Quirky Louisiana Holiday Tradition with Mysterious Origins

When it comes to Christmas traditions, there’s no shortage of unique and quirky customs from around the world.

One such tradition that might leave you scratching your head is the game of “Hide the Pickle” or “The Christmas Pickle.”

If you’ve never heard of it before, you’re not alone. Interestingly, many folks in Acadiana have enjoyed this unusual holiday game for generations.

So, what exactly is the Christmas Pickle tradition, and where does it come from?

After diving into its history, here’s what I discovered.

What Is “Hide the Pickle”?

This whimsical Christmas game revolves around a pickle-shaped ornament. The rules are simple: someone hides the pickle deep within the branches of the Christmas tree. The first child to spot the hidden pickle gets a special reward—often an extra Christmas present or the honor of opening their gifts first.

Is It Really a German Tradition?

One popular explanation suggests the Christmas Pickle originates from Germany. According to this version, German parents would hide the pickle ornament in the tree to entertain their children and spark some friendly competition.

However, there’s a twist: when surveyed, most Germans claim to have never heard of this so-called tradition!

In fact, sources like Hellawella.com argue that the Christmas Pickle might not be German at all, raising questions about its true origins.

Another explanation on hellawella.com says -

According to one tale, a Bavarian emigrant named John Lower started the tradition after he fell ill while imprisoned in Andersonville, Ga., during the Civil War. When he pleaded to just have one pickle before he died, a guard took pity on him and found him one. Legend has it he recovered soon after and returned home, where he instituted the tradition in remembrance of his good fortune. The person who found the pickle on Christmas Day would be blessed with good fortune just as he had. 

I spoke with a co-worker whose family has played the game for years and got yet another explanation.

She says the way her family plays is a bit different.

Everyone in their family hangs a pickle Christmas ornament on their trees. During the holiday season, whenever they visit each other's houses and spot the pickle on the tree, they move it and hide it.

So it seems that no one actually knows how, where, or when the Christmas Pickle tradition started.

My money is on the idea that the company that started making the Christmas Pickle ornament came up with the "age-old tradition" story as a clever marketing plan to sell more ornaments.

Even if the story behind this tradition is completely made up, who cares?

Families that do play the game seem to enjoy it, and isn't that all that truly matters?

If you want a Christmas Pickle, there are a few places to buy them. You can get one at cheapcookiecutters.com and plenty of other online retailers.