Belsnickel facts for kids
Belsnickel is a unique Christmas character from German folklore. He is often described as a bit grumpy and wears a fur outfit. This tradition comes from the Palatinate region of southwestern Germany. You can also find Belsnickel in communities with German roots in Pennsylvania, USA, and Brazil.
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Who is Belsnickel?
Belsnickel is a special figure in German-speaking traditions. He is similar to other helpers of Saint Nicholas, but he visits alone. Unlike some other characters, Belsnickel combines both the strict and the kind sides of Christmas visitors. He can be scary but also brings treats.
Belsnickel usually wears furs and sometimes a mask with a long tongue. His clothes often look torn, tattered, and dirty. He carries a switch to playfully swat children who have been naughty. But he also has pockets full of cakes, candies, and nuts for children who have been good!
Belsnickel in the Past
In the 1830s, in Allegany County, Maryland, people didn't know about Santa Claus. Instead, they had "Beltznickle." A writer named Jacob Brown described this tradition.
He said the visitor was called Kriskinkle, Beltznickle, or even the Christmas woman. This person would arrive after dark, completely disguised. Their face might be covered with a scary mask. Sometimes it was a real woman, but she acted with strong, masculine energy.
The visitor carried a big sack filled with cakes, nuts, and fruits. They also had a long hazel switch. One hand would scatter treats on the floor for the excited children. While the children scrambled for the goodies, the other hand might playfully use the switch on their backs. The children wouldn't even flinch, but if it had been their parents, they would have screamed!
Belsnickel Around the World
The Belsnickel character started in the Palatinate region of Germany. When German people moved to Pennsylvania, they brought this tradition with them. Belsnickel was known in Pennsylvania as early as the 1800s.
Among Pennsylvania Germans, Belsnickel would visit homes one or two weeks before Christmas. He came to check on how the children had behaved. He often knew exactly which children had misbehaved, which could be a bit scary!
He would knock on the door or window with his stick. Children might have to answer a question or sing a song for him. In return, he would toss candies onto the floor. But if children rushed too quickly for the treats, they might get a light tap from Belsnickel's switch!
An article from 1853 described "Pelsnichol" as "Nicholas with the fur." Some people thought Pelsnichol was the same as Krishkinkle. But most believed they were two different characters. One rewarded good children, and the other punished naughty ones. This article said Pelsnichol would only leave a birch rod in the stockings of naughty children.
There were two main types of Belsnickel: the rural and the urban versions. These are described in the book Christmas in Pennsylvania: a folk cultural study. The tradition became less common by the late 1800s. However, it has become popular again in recent years.
The Belsnickel tradition also came to Indiana with immigrants from the Palatinate. His outfit could look different depending on the area. He might wear a long, dark coat or robe tied with a rope. He might also have a fur cap or a bear skin hat decorated with bells. Often, the father or an older male relative would pretend to be busy when Pelznickel arrived.
"Belsnickling" or "Klausentreiben" was a fun activity. Young men or teenagers would dress up in masks and costumes on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day. They would move through the streets, rattling chains and bells, making a joyful noise.
This tradition also exists in parts of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and some communities in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina.
Belsnickel in Pop Culture
Belsnickel has appeared in many books, shows, and even movies!
An English author named Harriet Myrtle included an illustration of "Pelz-Nickel" in her 1851 book, The Little Sister. The drawing showed him in a long cloak, a pointed hood, a fur around his neck, a long white beard, and a big bag.
Some breweries in Pennsylvania make special beers named "Belsnickle." For example, Stoudt's Brewing Company and Otto's Pub and Brewery both have "Belsnickle" beers.
In the 1942 book The Scalawagons of Oz by John R. Neill, there's a character called Bell-snickle. It's a strange creature that first looks like a flat, bluish-green object rolling like a cartwheel. It has arms, legs, and a face, and wears bells on its ears. This creature is very proud and acts like a spoiled child.
In 2000, author Chet Williamson wrote Pennsylvania Dutch Night Before Christmas. This children's picture book includes Belsnickel in a Pennsylvania Dutch version of "The Night Before Christmas."
Belsnickel was also featured in the TV show The Office. In the episode "Dwight Christmas" (season nine), Dwight Schrute dresses as Belsnickel. He spends much of the episode deciding if his co-workers were "impish or admirable" at the company Christmas party.
The 2020 Netflix movie The Christmas Chronicles 2 has Belsnickel as the main villain. He is played by actor Julian Dennison. In the movie, his goal is to ruin Christmas.
Etymology
See also
