Belsnickel (also known as Belschnickel, Belznickle, Belznickel, Pelznikel, Pelznickel, Bell Sniggle[1]) is a crotchety, fur-clad Christmas gift-bringer figure in the folklore of the Palatinate region of southwestern Germany along the Rhine, the Saarland, and the Odenwald area of Baden-Württemberg.

Apr 1, 2023 · Belsnickel, The Menacing Christmas Figure Of German Folklore. Still celebrated by the descendants of German immigrants in America today, Belsnickel is a menacing character who bears some similarities to Santa Claus — but has a violent approach all his own.

Belsnickel would show up on Christmas Eve to the Protestant German families of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and the Hudson Valley of New York. Now, he wore a fur coat with sleigh bells attached at the waist.

Dec 12, 2018 · A creature of ancient German folklore, the Belsnickel found its way to America with early European settlers. He has seen a resurgence in modern interest in customs and cultures from days...

Dec 18, 2019 · The Belsnickel originated in the Palatinate region of Europe and is thought to be based on a companion or servant of Saint Nicholas. He is often adorned in animal fur, torn and dirty clothes, and will sometimes wear deer antlers atop his head.

According to the West Virginia Encyclopedia, belsnickling (also called pelsing) involved people dressed like Belsnickel going from house to house and having people guess who they were. For their...

Dec 14, 2017 · Many say "Belsnickel" roughly translates to "Nicholas in furs." And he's been varying degrees of terrifying. Some of the old-school Belsnickels of the 1800s smacked the naughty children.

Belsnickel is a crotchety, fur-clad Christmas gift-bringer figure in the folklore of the Palatinate region of southwestern Germany along the Rhine, the Saarland, and the Odenwald area of Baden-Württemberg.

Nov 29, 2013 · The name Belsnickel literally means Saint Nicholas in furs, says Sarah Thayer of the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum. The crotchety Belsnickel was a forerunner of the modern day Santa.

Dec 4, 2023 · Unlike the universally loved Santa, Belsnickel is a shadowy figure, draped in fur and often depicted as irritable and solitary. He emerges during the Christmas season, not just to reward, but to sternly remind children that good behavior is a must.