→ 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 the visual variety of the costume itself. Although there is a general similarity between all of them, there is also much variation in the details. When compared to the unwavering and stale representations of Santa Klaus, this looseness of interpretation – which provides some room for creativity and individuality – is very refreshing, as is the exciting combination of terror and delight meant to be evoked by a visit from Belsnickel.
If you’d like to meet the Belsnickel in person, come to Christmas on the Farm at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center, featuring the best of local holiday customs, on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center is located at 22 Luckenbill Road in Maxatawny Township, on the edge of the Kutztown University campus.
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Watch out kids because Belsnickel's going to show up!
danielboonehomestead.org
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→ Is He Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle or Pelznickel?
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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 ...
→ 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 ...
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→ ‘Yes Helen, there is a Belsnickel’.
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. ...
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.
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Der Belsnickel
Oh, do you know that ugly, that nasty man?
Wow! Can you call that fellow a human being?
Yes, that he is a human, may be believed by whomever wants to,
He ...
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 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 ...
Meet Belsnickel, the Counter Claus
Twas The Night Before Christmas – Translated into Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch by Thomas C. Zimmerman
Friends of Hopewell Furnace celebrate “Bill of Rights Day”
Landis Valley Museum “Days of the Belsnickel” Lunch Tour
Birdsboro’s Daniel Boone Homestead Recreating 18th Century Christmas
VIDEO| Origin of the “Belsnickel” In Under A Minute
Troxell-Steckel Farm Museum old-fashioned Christmas offers look at Pennsylvania German life in 1842
Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane opens Friday for holiday season
Is He Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle or Pelznickel?
Belsnickel: A slightly terrifying Pennsylvania Dutch tradition
Belsnickle Santa of yesteryear was not so jolly
City of Reading embraces ugly Christmas tree
‘Yes Helen, there is a Belsnickel’
Der Belsnickel Suite, a symphonic work by Dave Kline performed by the Reading Philharmonic Orchestra
VIDEO: What is a Belsnickel?
VIDEO | A living history presentation on the PA Dutch tradition of the Der Belsnickel
Pennsbury Manor prepping for festive Holly Nights celebration
The history of Santa Claus with reference to Belsnickel and Kris Kringle
Talking Christmas traditions with Don Yoder
Der Belsnickel by Henry Harbaugh
VIDEO | Ask A PA Dutchman: The Belsnickel
Christmastime in the Land of the Belsnickel by Matthew Burns
