Sunday, December 18, 2011

Santa Candy Containers

Santa candy containers became popular in the 19th century and are still being made today.

Christmas trees in the early 19th century were adorned with, for example, cookies, fruits, nuts, and cones. Born in Germany, Santa candy containers were given as gifts but were often used as tree or table decorations after the candy was gone (source: Kovel's On Antiques And Collectibles).

Some of the more elaborate candy containers were very detailed figures that separated at the waist, concealing the cylinder that held the candy. Others separated at the neck, held candy in small attached baskets or on a covered attached sleigh (source: goldenglow.org).

Image 1 shows an 1890 German Belsnickel candy container with rabbit fur beard. He carries a brown basket on his back. Image courtesy of Grossmutters Christmas Past (http://www.christmas.li/)










Image 1


Image 2 shows a 1930 German Santa wearing a red felt coat. He has a fur beard and carries a feather tree branch. Image courtesy of Grossmutters Christmas Past (http://www.christmas.li/)











Image 2


Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition in the 16th century but, DID YOU KNOW that the first artificial Christmas tree was developed in Germany in the 19th century as a response to reduce German deforestation? These trees were first made of goose feathers that were dyed green.



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