Photo: Nutcracker Christmas Markets Germany

A beautiful handmade nutcracker on display at the Christmas markets in the historic village of Michelstadt in Hessen, Germany.

The Christmas season is always full of markets around Germany and nobody should be left without a seasonal nutcracker. A hand carved wooden nutcracker painted with green decorations is displayed at the Christmas markets in the village of Michelstadt in Hessen, Germany.Since the 15th century, nutcrackers have been carved from wood in either a soldier, knight or king resemblance with each one having a large mouth where the nut is placed. A wooden handle on the back of each nutcracker opens the mouth when lifting the lever giving one a wide opening to slide a nut in.Some of the nutcrackers that were once made were actually strong enough to crack nuts, but the ones made nowadays are usually used as Christmas decorations. This was a good source of income for the skilled artists that made the nutcracker, and even today at the Christmas markets in Michelstadt, Germany you will see a varied display of them making money for the creators. ... continue below the picture...

This picture is part of the photo album "Christmas Pictures" - there are more beautiful images waiting for you.

... The original carvings of the nutcracker were developed as a small cottage industry in the forested countryside of Germany. This is why when you visit the Christmas markets in Michelstadt and other areas of Germany, many beautiful nutcrackers that are hand carved are always for sale. A hobby that never seems to fade for the people of Germany.Wooden nutcracker at the Christmas Markets in the historic village of Michelstadt, Hessen, Germany, Europe.