→ City of Reading embraces ugly Christmas tree – The Morning Call
Perhaps Reading should adopt the phenomena of the “Worlds Ugliest Christmas Tree” as a yearly ritual. Pretty, well decorated trees can be very boring and for this reason I agree with the writer that Reading should embrace a symbol around which the people can rally by turning a unintended negative into a humorous positive. Not only should the tree be selected for its ugliness, but the decorations as well, should be as hard on the eyes as possible.
Run of the mill trees are truly a dime a dozen and unoriginal to the extreme. People might actually go to see the annual lighting of the Worlds Ugliest Christmas Tree as a yearly event and wear their ugly sweaters to keep them warm. People of Reading, I simply ask you to look at the media attention garnered by the accidental ugliness of this year’s tree, and then imagine the possibilities. Most importantly — think outside the box, and don’t be afraid to be something that most people are inclined to instinctively like and support — the underdog.
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The sound is not that great but this clip is very informative and well worth watching if you want to learn more about the Pennsylvania Dutch tradtion of Der Belsnickel.
Yes! Kick Santa to the curb and turn Belsknickel loose upon the land.
For more 'Ask A PA Dutchman' episodes and Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch language videos check out Doulgas Madenford's YouTube channel.
* I'm still in the process of formatting the Deitsch version. Scroll down for English version.
Die Nacht for de Chrischdaag
'S waar die Nacht for de Chrischdaag
und dorch es gans Haus ...
→ “Days of the Belsnickel” Lunch Tour Pennsylvania at the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
Start with a video, then take a guided tour through the village, decked out Pennsylvania ...
→ Exploring art, history and science during a day at the museum - Berksmontnews.com
Upstaging Punxsutawney Phil by almost a week, Berks County's furry weather prognosticator, Oscar the Groundhog, says winter's far from over.
As told to his confidant, Lester Miller of Greenwich Township, Oscar ...
→ Old-fashioned Christmas in Lehigh County offers look at Pennsylvania German life in 1842 - lehighvalleylive.com
Saturday, December 6: 1:00 pm– 6:00 pm, last tour 5:15: A Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas
Travel back ...
→ Belsnickle Santa of yesteryear was not so jolly - The Herald-Dispatch
More details here on the legendary Belsnickel. I do take issue with the following...
Needless to say the first Belsnickle ...
→ Homestead Recreating 18th Century Christmas - Pottstown Post
Watch out kids because Belsnickel's going to show up!
danielboonehomestead.org
12/7: A Homestead Christmas 12-4pm
Admission Adult (13+) $6.00, Child (5-12) $4.00. FDBH members free, ...
→ Talking Christmas traditions with Don Yoder - Philly.com
In the Belsnickel's world, Christmas shouldn't be so enjoyable for the naughty kids. He comes at night, dressed in dirty furs, face blackened with charcoal. He has one purpose: To ...
→ Pennsylvania Folkways: The Belsnickel brings light and darkness - Reading Eagle
After having read many articles about Belsnickel, I find that one the most interesting aspects about the tradition is ...
→ Pennsbury Manor prepping for festive Holly Nights celebration - Bucks County Courier Times
Experience the enchantment of Pennsbury Manor by candlelight. Enjoy crackling bonfires, carolers, candlelit tours of the Manor ...
→ Christmas Candylane opens Friday for holiday season - LancasterOnline
Der Belsnickel Suite, a symphonic work by Dave Kline performed by the Reading Philharmonic Orchestra
In my mind's eye, the fanciful events depicted in Der Belsnickel Suite portray two special days on a family farm in a rustic and sturdy home built from field stone. ...
Santa Claus, the pleasant bearded elf dressed in red (in case you thought I was referring to some other Santa Claus), was not predestined to be a worldwide Christmas icon ...
→ First Fire and Ice Festival brings warmth to Reading with local flare
I came across this Belsnickel story on the Appalachian Lifestyles blog by Matthew Burns. He was gracious enough to grant me permission to repost it here. Enjoy.
Christmastime in the Land ...
→ ‘Pa. Dutch Christmas Carol’ on a trolley is a joyous experience
To purchase tickets with all major credit cards, visit GenesiusDifference.org or call 610-373-9500. Tickets are $35 for adults and ...
→ Dynamic Exhibition Explores Hollywood Legend Marilyn Monroe's Iconic Status - bctv.org
The exhibition will feature 115 works by more than 50 artists and will run from August 23 through October 5 ...
→ ‘Yes Helen, there is a Belsnickel’.
VIDEO | A living history presentation on the PA Dutch tradition of the Der Belsnickel
VIDEO | Ask A PA Dutchman: The Belsnickel
VIDEO| Origin of the “Belsnickel” In Under A Minute
Twas The Night Before Christmas – Translated into Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch by Thomas C. Zimmerman
Landis Valley Museum “Days of the Belsnickel” Lunch Tour
Exploring art, history and science during a day at the Reading Public Museum
Oscar the Groundhog’s predicts more winter, plowable snow in February
Troxell-Steckel Farm Museum old-fashioned Christmas offers look at Pennsylvania German life in 1842
Belsnickle Santa of yesteryear was not so jolly
Birdsboro’s Daniel Boone Homestead Recreating 18th Century Christmas
VIDEO | Chatty Monks Brewing’s Pumpkin Beers
Talking Christmas traditions with Don Yoder
Belsnickel: A slightly terrifying Pennsylvania Dutch tradition
Pennsylvania Folkways: The Belsnickel brings light and darkness
Pennsbury Manor prepping for festive Holly Nights celebration
Vintage Postcards – Berks County, PA
Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane opens Friday for holiday season
Der Belsnickel Suite, a symphonic work by Dave Kline performed by the Reading Philharmonic Orchestra
Meet Belsnickel, the Counter Claus
VIDEO: What is a Belsnickel?
First Fire and Ice Festival brings warmth to Reading with local flare
Christmastime in the Land of the Belsnickel by Matthew Burns
‘Pa. Dutch Christmas Carol’ on a trolley is a joyous experience
Reading Public Museum Exhibition Explores Marilyn Monroe’s Iconic Status
‘Yes Helen, there is a Belsnickel’
