Yule (Germany): Legend of the Silver Pinecones

There once lived a poor family without enough food to eat or enough wood for their fire. The mother decided to go into the forest to search for pine cones. She was planning to use the pine cones to build a fire for her family, and she was also hoping she could sell some of them to get money to buy food.

After walking for hours, the mother finally reached the forest and started gathering pine cones into her basket. Suddenly, she heard a voice say, “Why are you stealing my pinecones?” With that, an elf appeared beside her.

She explained her sad story to the elf. With a crooked smile, the elf said, “Go into the next forest. The pine cones there are much better.”

Hesitantly, the mother set off to the next forest, which was even farther away. When she reached it, she was very tired. She leaned against a tree and sat her basket on the ground.

No sooner had she set down her basket, and dozens of pine cones started falling to the ground. Filled with renewed energy, she gathered all the pine cones into her basket and returned home.

Tired again, once she returned home, she set down the basket for a moment on her doorstep. When she looked down at the basket of pine cones, they had all turned to silver. The family would never be poor again.

Because of this legend, many people believe that a silver pine cone is lucky. It is customary to keep one on your dresser or hearth to make
sure good fortune comes your way. They can also be used to decorate your Yule tree!

Make Your Own Silver Pinecone Ornament

To complete this craft, you will need:
pinecones in various sizes,
silver paint,
glue and silver glitter.
Collect pinecones from outside or purchase some at a craft store. Please note, if you are collecting them from outdoors, be sure they are free of sap and also fairly dry (brown in color).

There are a couple different options to make your own silver pinecones. You can paint the cones with silver craft paint. Alternatively, you can paint the edges of your pinecone with glue and then roll it in silver glitter. Or, double the shine by painting your pinecone silver, and then adding silver glitter to the very tips of the cone.
Print out a copy of the Legend of the Silver Pinecones and give with a few of your handmade ornaments to friends and family!

2 replies
  1. Tertia says:

    I love the site, the legends are simply amazing! A wonderful reference while planning a Yule celebration. Oh- it is early monrning, 21 June 2011 here – Happy Yule!

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