Submitted by Pranky the Elf on
Belsnickel is violent, dirty and sometimes disgusting version of Santa, but worse.
Belsnickel is known in German Speaking European countries, Brazilian - German, and Pennsylvania Dutch communities. Belsnickel is a brown or black furred, dirty old man who carried a bag of both treats and tricks as well as a switch or whip. Belsnickel wore a rope as a belt and a fur cap decorated with bells. Belsnickel 's name roughly translating to Nickolas with the Fur and is basically a creepy version of Santa Claus. Belsnickel 's furs are usually torn and tattered with soot throughout. Belsnickel 's face covered in black soot is terrifying too. Belsnickel would visit homes a week or two before Christmas to see if the children there were well behaved. When Belsnickel arrived he would bang at the doors and windows with his stick, asking for the children to sing him a song. Once let in Belsnickel would toss candies and treats upon the floor. The good children would be able to keep all sorts of treats, from cakes and nuts, to candies and fruits. For those who had been bad, Belsnickel would beat them with a switch as they bent over to pick up the treats, causing severe pain and agony. For the worst behaved children, it’s said that Belsnickel would come to kidnap, severely beat and or drown them. What would you do if Belsnickel came knocking at your door?