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.

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...

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 6, 2024 · Forget the jolly Santa Claus—Pennsylvania German folklore brings us the Belsnickel, a shaggy, fearsome figure who’s part Christmas cheer and part moral compass! Draped in tattered clothes and fur, adorned with deer antlers and foliage, the Belsnickel embodies the untamed spirit of the season.

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.

Dec 23, 2022 · 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.

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.

Belsnickel is the first character in the history of Christmas characters who clearly distinguished between good children and bad children, unlike Santa Claus who presented gifts to those whose names were on the famous 'Santa's list'.