#Belsnickels

[katkalis-the-horror-fanartist]

Belsnickel doodles!!

[zal-cryptid]

Tammy's backstory

[gareteddybear]

Poll time!

[schweizercomics]

Companions fo Christmas 8: Belsnickel!

Belsnickel was a hermit in Germany’s large and wild Black Forest, a fur trapper who wanted nothing more than to be left alone, but he lived near the entrance of a cave that children from a nearby village liked to explore.

The Krampus and other such hairy wild men were known to live in and around the forest, and Belsnickel decided to carve a Krampus mask so that he could easily scare children away when they ventured too close to his cabin. Belsnickel was an excellent wood carver (it was his hobby and passion, both), and his mask was very convincing.

And so, for years, he spent his days fur-trapping and his evenings carving wood, and chased away any children that he encountered.

One day, however, he came across a little girl who had gotten lost in the snowy woods. The child was obviously scared and cold and hungry, and Belsnickel felt too much pity to terrify her further. He carried her back to his cabin, let her warm herself by the fire, and gave her food before taking her back to the village.

The little girl told all of her friends about this bearded, fur-clad man who had rescued her, and how his cabin was filled with the most beautiful woodcarvings of animals and fantastic beasts. The village children determined that this mysterious man must, in fact, be Saint Nicholas, hiding away to make the toys that he delivered each Christmas.

They began to write Belsnickel letters, and to leave them at his cabin when he was away trapping. At first, Belsnickel was furious that his treasured privacy was being so upended, but as he started reading the letters (which not only asked him to carve a toy, but told about who they were) he started to get to know the children of the village, and his heart warmed to them. And so, on the following Christmas, he brought toys to the children who had asked, visiting each house (though, valuing his own privacy and wishing to extend to others the courtesy he would himself appreciate, he always knocks and waits to be invited in, and never comes in unannounced through the chimney).

[ben-the-hyena]

Third Day of Christmas : the Belsnickel

In some German regions like the Palatinate notably, there is neither Father Whipper nor Krampus but the Belsnickel... and no Saint Nicholas either ! The Belsnickel is both a benefactor and a punisher, sure he is crotchety and strict and gives coal to naughty children and may in rare cases (and I do mean rare for he has more good and patience in him than usual punishers) whip them a little, but his pockets are full with gifts, cakes and candies for nice children. He is often depicted like an old white-haired and bearded man wearing dark furs and clothes and a mask and with a long tongue. I do confess however that when I read "furs" I kinda took a little creative freedom. Hey I wasn't gonna make him look too much like Santa or Father Whipper either !

[thebestworstidea]

14 of 24

@tchipakkan

joined the slightly annoying prompts by just saying 'Belsnickel' and she did it outloud so googling was hard.

edit: For those of whom that are interested: Having been looking at lots of old depictions of Santa, or related figures, I have come to the conclusion that the 'santa holding a small tree' trope came from a misunderstood decoration of Santa holding a bundle of switches for the bad children.

'What's that, looks like a bush' 'oh it must be a small christmas tree' 'that makes sense'

[thegenxorcist]

Belsnickel

Belsnickel has been celebrated by the descendants of German immigrants in the U.S. for years. The Pennsylvania Dutch regularly include this bewildering figure in their Christmas traditions, delighting in how he punishes naughty children and rewards well-behaved ones.

In German folklore, Belsnickel has a somewhat terrifying appearance. He’s described as having a face smeared with charcoal and wearing dirty, tattered clothes. Penn Live explains that Belsnickel adorns himself with bits of foliage, fur cloaks and hats, and even deer antlers. In his hand, he carries a switch.

The Bizarre Legend Of Belsnickel, The Centuries-Old Christmas Figure From German Folklore

[ringringhookaringring]

[nobleclover]

A dark Christmas poem for you all. Merry Christmas 🎄😈

https://youtu.be/uKR0ov0NgrA

[mindonfirebooks]

8 Legendary Monsters of Christmas To Be Afraid Of

Customs that encourage little children to be good so as to deserve their Christmas gifts often come with a dark side: the punishment you’ll receive from a monster or evil being of some sort if you aren’t good! #christmas #monsters

The 8 legendary monsters of Christmas are out to get you this next Holiday Season. The customs of the holiday season, which include St. Nicholas Day, New Years Day, and Epiphany, as well as Christmas, often incorporate earlier pagan traditions that have been appropriated and adapted for contemporary use. Customs that encourage little children to be good so as to deserve their Christmas gifts���

[katkalis-the-horror-fanartist]

More doodles of the life of a hobb mother and her boggart bf!

[zal-cryptid]

[cartoonscientist]

december aka the season of drawing krampuses

[airasilver]

[paperstreetdolls]

Have you been IMPISH OR ADMIRABLE?

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Check out our other pop-culture decor in our store!

[weirdchristmas]

Remember when Dwight goes on about Belsnickel? This is him.