Image by Midjourney.com
“He’s making a list. He’s checking it twice. He’s going to find out who’s naughty or nice.”
For many children, having one’s name on Santa’s naughty list means coal in your stocking and no gifts under the tree come Christmas morning. But the Belsnickel, a creature of German folklore brought to Pennsylvania by immigrants, takes a different approach to children on his naughty list.
Who is the Belsnickel?
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. Hence the German word “bels” translates into fur, and “nickel” refers to St. Nicholas. The Belsnickel is also referred to as Kriskinkle, Beltznickle, Pelsnichol, and sometimes the “Christmas woman” when he arrives dressed in women’s garbs.
Note: An “evil” Belsnickel refers to the darker, disciplinary side of this German-American Christmas figure, often depicted as a crotchety, fur-clad man with switches to swat naughty children, contrasting with modern Santa’s pure kindness, with popular portrayals. He embodies the “carrot and stick” approach, a precursor to modern trick-or-treating, but with a much harsher edge than Santa. He was an orphaned elf who was adopted by Santa Claus. Though Belsnickel had a strong relationship with Santa, his heart was darkened and he became rogue after Santa had less time for him. Consequently, this caused Belsnickel to be cursed into becoming a human, causing him to run away. The Belsnickel seems to be an amalgamation of the forgiving, gift-giving Saint Nicholas and the Krampus, a horned half-goat, half-demon.
When Does He Appear?
Unlike Santa, the Belsnickel travels alone and arrives at homes one to two weeks before Christmas. Like Santa, he determines if the children he visits are deserving of Christmas treats, or discipline for their behavior. He carries a switch in his hand for the naughty and pocketsful of cakes, candies, and nuts for well-behaved children.
Upon his arrival, children are called upon to answer questions for him or sing him a song. In exchange, he throws cakes, candies, and nuts onto the floor. If children dive greedily for the treats or can’t recount their good behavior throughout the year, the Belsnickel will threaten to swat their hands or back with his switch. The well-mannered boys and girls get rewarded with the treats.
The Belsnickel’s visit serves to remind children that they still have time to stay out of mischief before Christmas Day and to think twice before misbehaving.
The Belsnickel made his way into pop culture on the hit TV show The Office. Set in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the episode, Dwight Christmas (season 9), features character Dwight Shrute dressed as the Belsnickel for an office holiday party. Dwight remarks, “Some people were born to be bad; I was born to be Belsnickel,” and goes on to judge his coworkers on their past year’s behavior.
So, “You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why.” If you hear a tapping on your home’s door this holiday season, beware! It may be the Belsnickel coming to check in on you!
https://www.visitpaamericana.com/blog/post/what-or-who-is-belsnickel/