Germany typically calls Santa Claus der Weihnachtsmann (Christmas Man), who brings gifts on Christmas Eve. However, the primary figure in early December (especially Dec 6) is der Heilige Nikolaus (St. Nicholas), a bishop-like figure who fills children's shoes with treats.
The term Weihnachtsmann is a very generic German term for Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus. The German Weihnachtsmann is a fairly recent Christmas tradition having little if any religious or folkloric background.
Unlike North American versions of Santa Claus, in these celebrations Saint Nicholas concerns himself only with the good children, while Krampus is responsible for the bad. Nicholas dispenses gifts, while Krampus supplies coal and the birch rods.
Traditionally, Santa Claus, or Weihnachtsmann in German, does not drop down chimneys and deliver gifts the eve of Dec. 25 in Germany. Instead, the Christkind or Christkindl, an angel-like creature with blond hair and wings, brings gifts to families on the eve of Christmas.
In many parts of Germany, it's not Santa Claus who brings kids their presents but Christkind. Traditionally depicted as an angelic figure, Christkind brings presents on the evening of December 24th and places them under the Christmas tree.
5 German Christmas traditions you should know | History Stories
What exactly is a Belsnickel?
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).
To answer the simplest question first, Krampus is a folklore character who comes primarily from German-speaking regions of Europe, especially Austria (Styria and Salzburg) and Germany (Bavaria).
Originally inspired by Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Christian bishop, Santa's story begins not with sleigh bells but with a mission of compassion. Nicholas devoted his wealth to helping those in need, quietly funding dowries for impoverished girls and rescuing families from hardship.
In Roman Catholic areas of southern Germany, such as Bavaria, Sankt Nikolaus still comes as a bishop with flowing beard and a bishop's miter and staff. Houses are thoroughly cleaned and children clean and polish their shoes or boots in preparation for the saint's visit.
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.
People might see a certain resemblance between the Belsnickel and that other Germanic folklore figure, the Krampus. But the Krampus is more of a pagan, demonic creature with horns and long claws, While the Belsnickel is decidedly human. (If he's wearing horns or antlers, it's because they're attached to his hat.)
She looks like an angel, while her name, “Christkind,” translates to “Christ child” in German. The Christkind is the bearer of Christmas gifts to most children in German-speaking countries, just as Santa Claus is to children in the United States.
You might be surprised to learn that Santa's birthday isn't on Christmas. Instead, Santa's birthday is on March 15 every year, according to SantaClaus.com. Mark it on your calendar—it's a great excuse to make Santa's cookie plate throughout the year!
Prior to Nast's work, Santa's outfit was tan in color, and it was he that changed it to red, although he also drew Santa in a green suit. This change is often attributed to the work of Haddon Sundblom, who drew images of Santa in advertising for the Coca-Cola Company since 1931.
So, historically, Santa visits the South Pacific first, then New Zealand and Australia. After that, he shoots up to Japan, over to Asia, across to Africa, then onto Western Europe, Canada, the United States, Mexico and Central and South America.
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.
Santa Claus was born "Nicholas" to Christian parents, in the third century (a time when Christians were persecuted by Rome) in a coastal town in western Turkey, which was part of the Roman Empire.
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.
For most children in The Netherlands, the most important day during December is 5th December, when Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) brings them their presents! St. Nicholas' Day is on the 6th December, but in The Netherlands, the major celebrations are held on the 5th December, St.
