Belsnickel (derived from the German Pelznickel, meaning "Furry Nicholas") is a traditional German folklore figure, particularly from the Palatinate region, who acts as a disciplinary companion to St. Nicholas. He is depicted as a disheveled, ragged, or fur-clad man who visits children in early December to reward the good with sweets and punish the naughty with a switch (a bundle of twigs or stick).
The term “Belsnickeling” comes from Belsnickel, a companion figure to Santa Claus in German folklore. Think of Belsnickel as the stern equivalent to the jolly Saint Nick. Belsnickel traditionally dressed in furs (or sometimes rags, depending on the area) and carried a switch (a small wooden whip).
Belsnickel, a character from German lore, is a cantankerous tattered old man with a simple motivation: flogging children. The man is whip-crazy, hunting down mischievous kids and playing bad cop to Santa's good cop.
What is the difference between Krampus and Belsnickel?
Both are figures from German folklore who punish naughty children, but they differ in their origins and appearance: Krampus is a demonic, goat-like creature from Alpine regions, while Belsnickel is a more human, shaggy, and patched figure from the Palatinate region and Pennsylvania Dutch culture.
Much of Germany knows Santa Claus as Der Weihnachtsmann. The depiction is similar to Saint Nick in the US, and he has similar present-giving tendencies. Der Weihnachtsmann isn't the only Santa Claus-like figure in Germany, however.
Nicolas, the original Santa Clause, does not roam the night alone. He has his partner Krampus giving out punishment to those who have behaved badly during the year. Krampus most likely originated from Austria derived from pagan beliefs. He was later adapted to Christian beliefs symbolizing the devil himself.
Krampus was banned at various times by authorities, including the Catholic Church and fascist governments in 20th-century Austria, because his devilish appearance and menacing customs were seen as too scary for children, too pagan, or linked to socialism, with officials fearing the tradition harmed children's mental health and promoted devil worship. While suppressed, the tradition survived and has seen a major resurgence as an alternative, edgier holiday figure.
He may have been based on an older German myth, Knecht Ruprecht, a servant of Saint Nicholas and character from northern German folklore. In some traditions, the Belsnickel is said to visit homes in the days or weeks leading up to Christmas, rewarding well-behaved children with small gifts or treats.
Traditionally in Germany, a character called the Belsnickel would visit children alongside Saint Nicholas. Many cultures have an assistant accompany St. Nicholas/Santa Claus during his visits to punish the children who need to correct their behavior.
As the original Christmas-hater, Scrooge may be the perfect holiday villain; even his name has become synonymous with “total buzzkill,” and his favorite catch phrase, “Bah! Humbug!” has become notorious throughout history!
Everybody knows St. Nicholas as the inspiration for modern-day Santa Clause. But what you may not know is an insanely dark and gory origin story in how he became known as the Father of Christmas. It all has to do with a French butcher (or in an 1150 AD version of the tale, an Innkeeper) who some say craved human flesh.
Saint Nicholas, aka Santa Claus, was born circa 280 in Patara, Lycia, an area that is part of present-day Turkey. He lost both of his parents as a young man and reportedly used his inheritance to help the poor and sick. A devout Christian, he later served as bishop of Myra, a city that is now called Demre.
The Scriptures neither command nor forbid the celebration of Christmas. Christians should celebrate and remember the Lord and what He has done for us, including His birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection every day, including Christmas.
They believe Krampus derives from a pagan supernatural who was assimilated to the Christian devil. Krampus is usually featured as a man with horns with one grotesque human foot and one foot of a goat. He is typically covered in black hair and has a very long snake or dragon-like tongue.
Some Puritans objected to the celebrations as there was no mention of such things in the Bible, and therefore couldn't be justified as they were not rooted in scripture. Many also felt that the Christmas festivities had simply become too drunken and debauched. Presbyterians in Scotland had outlawed Christmas in 1640.
After Fidel's revolution, Cuba was declared to be an atheist nation, formerly having been Catholic like most Latin American countries. In 1969 Christmas was banned mostly because it got in the way of the sugar harvest.
"The American Santa Claus can be a minor, fun part of the Christmas holiday. There is no need for Christians to reject him," said Carol Myers, founder of the St. Nicholas Center in Holland, Michigan.
The traditional Christmas meal features duck, goose, rabbit or a roast. This main dish is accompanied by German delicacies such as apple and sausage stuffing, red cabbage and potato dumplings. Dessert typically includes Christmas Stollen, considered one of the best Christmas pastries in the world!
Traditionally, on Heiligabend (Christmas Eve) in Germany, a simple meal will be prepared and served before or after the Bescherung ("time for exchanging gifts"), in contrast to the big meal on Christmas Day.
