The history of Santa Claus with reference to Belsnickel and Kris Kringle

→ This and That — The history of Santa Claus – Delphos Herald

Belsnickel came from Pelz Nichol, stemming from St. Nicholas and the December 6th gift giving holiday. Kris Kringle originated with the Pennsylvania Dutch as a corruption of Christkindl, or Christ Child. The traditions are really a cultural mashup of sorts and this article should help clear it up for you.

Pennsylvania Folkways: The Belsnickel brings light and darkness

→ 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 ...

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. ...

VIDEO | Ask A PA Dutchman: The 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.

VIDEO: What is a Belsnickel?

Christmastime in the Land of the Belsnickel by Matthew Burns

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 ...

Belsnickle Santa of yesteryear was not so jolly

→ 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 ...

VIDEO | A living history presentation on the PA Dutch tradition of the Der Belsnickel

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.

Der Belsnickel by Henry Harbaugh

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 ...

VIDEO| Origin of the “Belsnickel” In Under A Minute

Is He Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle or Pelznickel?

→ Is He Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle or Pelznickel? Santa Klaus is exhausted. Perhaps it's time for him to share the burden and ask for some help. Christmas isn't ...

Landis Valley Museum “Days of the Belsnickel” Lunch Tour

→ “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 ...

Meet Belsnickel, the Counter Claus

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 ...

‘Yes Helen, there is a Belsnickel’

→ ‘Yes Helen, there is a Belsnickel’.

Belsnickel: A slightly terrifying Pennsylvania Dutch tradition

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 ...

Troxell-Steckel Farm Museum old-fashioned Christmas offers look at Pennsylvania German life in 1842

→ 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 ...

Friends of Hopewell Furnace celebrate “Bill of Rights Day”

→ Friends of Hopewell Furnace celebrate “Bill of Rights Day" - Berks Mont News The Friends of Hopewell Furnace invite the public to celebrate the 225th anniversary of the Bill of ...

Birdsboro’s Daniel Boone Homestead Recreating 18th Century Christmas

→ 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, ...