Belsnickel

The Pelzmärtel (also Pelzemärtel, Pelzermärtel, Pelzamärdl or fur Martin) is in Franconia (South Germany ) common name for the pre-Christmas bringer of gifts. Regionally, it also occurs as a fur nickel. In the name of the Customs on the Day of St. Nicholas and St. Martin flow together. In his sack the bringer of gifts on St. Martin, 11 November, or on St. Nicholas Day, December 6, for the good children nuts and fruit, while, for the naughty children a tail.

Word origin

Pelzmärtel derives from fur ( from the West Central German " fur ", which means " beat " means ) and the Frankish diminutive for Martin, " Märtel " or " Martel ", " nickel " is in accordance with the diminutive for Nicholas. Colloquially, it is also called Bulzermärtel or Belzermärtl.

The Nuremberg dialect knows for Pelzmärtel debates " Belzermärdl " and " Bulzer ".

History and Significance

The Pelzmärtel is the result of the Reformation, as the Protestants do not wanted to continue to worship the Catholic saints St. Martin and St. Nicholas. Originally Pelzmärtel only a rod probably has, after but increasingly the task had to take over from Nicholas, he now brings with gifts as well. About the new era of the Reformation thus received the veneration of St. Martins as national saints in early medieval Frankish Empire on his name. The external appearance of the figure sets also influences the wintry bogies close, wrapped in fur and straw wig mischief exaggerated ( " Mr. Winter " ) the.

Similar customs

In Swabia it is also a Belzmärte as evil companion of Santa Claus.

Well by Palatine emigrants the tradition of Belsnickels was brought to Pennsylvania. This tradition was until recently still alive in some places, however, a distinction between the Belsnickel (or Belznickle ) in rural areas and are made ​​in the urban environment must ..

Pictures of Belsnickel

114311
de