Nutcracker dolls, also known as Christmas nutcrackers, are decorative nutcracker figurines most commonly made to resemble a toy soldier. In German tradition, the dolls are symbols of good luck, frightening away malevolent spirits.[1][2] While nearly all nutcrackers from before the first half of the 20th century are functional, a significant proportion of modern nutcrackers are primarily decorative, and not able to crack nuts.[3][4]
- ^ Malone, Noreen (16 December 2010). "In a Nutshell". Slate. ISSN 1091-2339. Retrieved 22 July 2016.
- ^ "The nutcracker doll: a history | The Australian Ballet". australianballet.com.au. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ^ Albright, Mary Beth (8 December 2014). "Why Fancy Nutcrackers Don't Actually Crack Nuts". National Geographic. Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- ^ "The Story of The Nutcracker". germusa/custom. Retrieved 15 December 2016.