In Germany, the main name for Santa Claus is Weihnachtsmann (Christmas Man), similar to the American Santa, but there's also St. Nikolaus (Saint Nicholas) who brings treats on December 6th, and Christkind (Christ Child) who delivers presents on Christmas Eve, especially in Protestant traditions. So, while Weihnachtsmann is the direct German Santa, St. Nikolaus is a separate tradition for early gifts, and Christkind is another gift-bringer, making for a rich mix of figures, notes ThoughtCo, Dictionary.com https://www.dictionary.com/articles/what-are-all-of-the-different-names-for-santa-claus, Trafalgar, and Army.mil https://www.army.mil/article/241414/santa_nikolaus_or_christkindl_christmas_traditions_in_germany.
Much of Germany knows Santa Claus as Der Weihnachtsmann. The depiction is similar to Saint Nick in the US, and he has similar present-giving tendencies. Der Weihnachtsmann isn't the only Santa Claus-like figure in Germany, however.
Krampus, in central European popular legend, a half- goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion of St. Nicholas. Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw.
In many parts of Germany, it's not Santa Claus who brings kids their presents but Christkind. Traditionally depicted as an angelic figure, Christkind brings presents on the evening of December 24th and places them under the Christmas tree.
The name Belsnickel is a compilation of the German word “bels,” which translates into fur, and “nickel,” which refers to St. Nicholas. Unlike his predecessors, the Belsnickel doesn't make the rounds with Santa. Instead, he visits the homes of children throughout the community on his own.
Santa Claus - Der Weihnachtsmann
The term Weihnachtsmann is a very generic German term for Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus. The German Weihnachtsmann is a fairly recent Christmas tradition having little if any religious or folkloric background.
Unlike North American versions of Santa Claus, in these celebrations Saint Nicholas concerns himself only with the good children, while Krampus is responsible for the bad. Nicholas dispenses gifts, while Krampus supplies coal and the birch rods.
Weihnachten (German: [ˈvaɪnaxtn̩]) is the observance of what is commonly known in English as Christmas in the German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
🎁 The Basic Phrase: Frohe Weihnachten!
Literally, this means “Joyful Christmas!” or “Happy Christmas!” It's the standard greeting you'll hear everywhere in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—from Christmas markets to office emails and postcards. Example sentences: Frohe Weihnachten, liebe Familie!
I am German… it's tradition for many German families not to take it down until after January 1, typically January 6. (Dreikönigstag) #christmastree #christmas #merrychristmas #dreikönigstag. The tree stays up through January 6, Epiphany.
The legend of the Krampus dates back centuries, originating as a German Christmas tradition during the 12th century. Beginning in early December, the children of Germany would begin to hear whispers of a dark haired creature bearing horns and fangs, carrying a bundle of birch sticks used to swat naughty children.
Krampus was banned at different times by authorities, primarily because the Catholic Church saw his devilish, horned appearance as anti-Christian, and later by fascist regimes in Austria (1930s) who deemed him a socialist symbol. While never fully eradicated, he faced suppression for his pagan roots and resemblance to the devil, only to experience a massive resurgence in popularity in the 21st century through internet culture and media, becoming an edgy holiday figure.
Well, the 25th and 26th of December in Germany are official Christmas holidays⛄❄️. They are set aside for quality family time, feasting together🍚🍗, visiting friends and relatives and enjoying more food. Shops are closed on these days!
People might see a certain resemblance between the Belsnickel and that other Germanic folklore figure, the Krampus. But the Krampus is more of a pagan, demonic creature with horns and long claws, While the Belsnickel is decidedly human. (If he's wearing horns or antlers, it's because they're attached to his hat.)
Nikolaus was a Greek Christian bishop in Myra (located in what is today Turkey). He died on December 6th in 346 which is the day celebrated in Germany. He was known for small miracles and giving gifts secretly. He's now the patron of little children (as well as sailors, merchants and students).
The name Kris Kringle, though, was unrelated to Saint Nicholas. Instead, it came from the German word Christkindlein, meaning "Christ child," referring to the baby in the manger. So, unlike St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle is more directly related to the Christian celebration of Christ's birth.
The main day is Christmas Eve (Heiligabend), when families decorate the Christmas tree, exchange gifts, and enjoy a festive dinner.
Second Christmas Day in Germany 🇩🇪 Did you know that today is a national holiday in Germany? ✨ Second Christmas Day (also known as Boxing Day or St. Stephen's Day) is a day of rest after the Christmas festivities.
The origin of the Christmas stars. The Moravian star (German “Herrnhuter Stern”) was invented at the castle of the Unity of Brethren of Herrnhut more than 160 years ago, and is considered the origin of all Christmas stars.
In German, 777,777 is written as one long compound word: Siebenhundertsiebenundsiebzigtausendsiebenhundertsiebenundsiebzig, meaning "seven hundred seventy-seven thousand, seven hundred seventy-seven," showcasing German's ability to create huge words by joining smaller ones.
German children call Santa Claus 'Weihnachtsmann' which translates to Christmas man. The Weihnachtsmann is a recent Christmas tradition which has little if any religious or folkloric background.
Belsnickel (also known as Belschnickel, Belznickle, Belznickel, Pelznikel, Pelznickel, Bell Sniggle) is a crotchety, fur-clad Christmas gift-bringer figure in the folklore of the Palatinate region of southwestern Germany along the Rhine, the Saarland, and the Odenwald area of Baden-Württemberg.
Traditionally, Santa Claus, or Weihnachtsmann in German, does not drop down chimneys and deliver gifts the eve of Dec. 25 in Germany. Instead, the Christkind or Christkindl, an angel-like creature with blond hair and wings, brings gifts to families on the eve of Christmas.
Krampus was banned at different times by authorities, primarily because the Catholic Church saw his devilish, horned appearance as anti-Christian, and later by fascist regimes in Austria (1930s) who deemed him a socialist symbol. While never fully eradicated, he faced suppression for his pagan roots and resemblance to the devil, only to experience a massive resurgence in popularity in the 21st century through internet culture and media, becoming an edgy holiday figure.
Krampus's name is derived from the German word krampen, meaning claw, and is said to be the son of Hel in Norse mythology. The legendary beast also shares characteristics with other scary, demonic creatures in Greek mythology, including satyrs and fauns.