German Putz House Objective Profile
Putz houses are a cultural tradition among Germans and German Americans. A simple way to describe it is like a nativity scene or gingerbread house that you put under the tree at christmas time. They are commonly made out of cardboard. With them more decorations added to make it however you want it to look. The tradition was most common in the early 1900’s and ended around the 1950’s but was still seen practiced after, some even continue to partake in this each holiday season in modern day. Each member of the family or group would then create one and put it together by a christmas tree or train set like a little village.
The tradition is still alive in Missouri. In the Perry County Lutheran Historical society there is a collection of many Putzen, also known as Putz houses. I didn’t previously know this but this was a common tradition here in Perry County which is why there is such a collection of them. They even offer a class at a specific time in the holiday season where you can go create one and become part of the tradition yourself. This is just another way that the German Americans are trying to keep their culture alive here in Missouri. Glitter and colorful paper or cheap materials are what is used to produce these objects. Below are images of the collection they have in the Perry County Lutheran Historical Society.
The reason this has a historical significance to Missouri is because it was a common practice in Perry County specifically by the Saxon Germanic people who were predominantly Lutheran. They came from Germany oftentimes to New Orleans where they then made their way up the river and then settled in Perry County, or continued up the river to St. Louis where they then moved down south to Perry County. Many are in the Cape Girardeau area and still remain there to this day. Religion is a big part of their lives which is why they celebrate Christmas and are very into the traditions that it brings. It’s just one more way that German Americans are able to keep traditions alive and staying connected with their roots.
Today this practice is still somewhat common although not an active cultural tradition across the country. After further research it’s pretty easy to find hundreds of listings of premade putz houses for sale through sites like Etsy and other craft websites or through actual stores like Walmart and Target that are non authentic. They can range anywhere from $20-$100 depending on the quality and material. It is interesting to me that there is a market today where people are willing to spend money to purchase these. Personally I would never spend $100 on something I could make myself but I’m sure it sells. Although it is just further proof that the culture is still alive and that people are interested and invested in it.
