Weekend Workshop – Holiday Nutcrackers
According to German folklore, decorative nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bring luck to the family, protect the home, and ward off evil spirits. Often taking the appearance of uniformed soldiers, nutcrackers gained popularity throughout the 19th century across Europe.
Tchaikovsky’s 1892 ballet The Nutcracker has helped turn these pieces of historic folk art into common symbols of the holiday season. On Saturday, December 10 from 11-12, the Wilton Historical Society will hold its very own Nutcracker workshop, where participants will decorate their very own wooden nutcrackers and make paper ballerinas, all while listening to Tchaikovsky’s famous music and enjoying a treat of gingerbread cookies.
Suggested for ages 6 – 10. Members: $10 per child; Non-members $15 per child.
Please register by filling out the form below or by emailing info@wiltonhistorical.org
Did You Know?
Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet was actual based on earlier short story written in 1816 by German Author E.T.A. Hoffman. The story’s plot is similar to the famous ballet with wooden nutcracker soldiers coming to life to protect a young girl from attacking mice. Hoffman’s work would inspire several other ballets and operas throughout the 19th century.