JPK Huson 1863
Brev. Brig. Gen'l
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2012
- Location
- Central Pennsylvania
http://festivals.iloveindia.com/christmas/characters/belsnickel.html
"Belsnickel, the fur-clad gift-bringing figure associated with Christmas, is known by several other names like Kriskinkle, Beltznickle and even as Xmas Woman in some cases. Though this German-origin figure, mostly regarded as male, has a spooky appearance with a long tongue and infuriating features, Belsnickel is said to be Saint Nicholas's companion and does no harm to good people. Children are scared of this mysterious character because he is believed to thump naughty children for their wicked behavior. During his customary visits, he carries a sack full of goodies and scatters them on the floor. The delighted children pick up their treats while the naughty ones receive thrashing. He makes an appearance on 6th of December before children who eagerly wait for their judgment and promise to improve the coming year. This legendary figure accompanies Santa Claus in some areas of Europe as well as the small Dutch communities of Pennsylvania. His arrival is not always looked forward to with joy rather, children fear him most as he appears as a warning for the naughty kids. "
That's just one, small desription. The Belschnickle was certainly around for our American Civil War, although I have no descriptions of his visiting the camps anywhere. He would have been familiar to the era, probably frightened some of the soldiers when they were children who in turn frightened their own children- especially the men who fought mit Seigel, or other heavily German units.
As I said, I'm reading of his existence among other ethnicities, but require more research to dig around, see what parts of Europe and what differences there would be. I'm only familiar with Dad's PA Dutch, Tamaqua, PA version, which entertained us until Christmas of last year- our first without Dad and a visitation from Belschnickle. Miss both.