Beware the Bells: Pelzmartel’s Chilling Start to the Holiday Season

As the chill of November sweeps through Western Bavaria, whispers of Pelzmartel emerge, setting the Christmas season off to a surprisingly spooky start. On the eve of St. Martin's Day, November 11th, Pelzmartel—a curious cross between the gift-giving St. Nicholas and the terrifying Krampus—wanders the streets, his furs and tattered rags making him a shadowy figure. A long, scraggly beard, a soot-smeared face, and bells jingling on his costume signal his approach, creating both a thrill and a shiver down the spine of anyone who hears them. His name is a blend of "Pelz" (meaning "fur") and Martin, paying homage to the saint and the animalistic nature of his attire.

Unlike other fearsome figures, Pelzmartel has a sweet twist: he tosses candy onto the ground for children to pick up. But, don’t be fooled—this is no selfless act. The candy serves as bait, and as soon as children dash forward to claim their prize, he’s ready with a swift swat from his bundle of sticks! In modern times, Pelzmartel’s swats are lighthearted, a playful nudge more than a strike, though legend hints that things could get out of hand in the past, when his swats weren’t quite so gentle. It’s a lively reminder not to trust every freebie thrown your way—a lesson likely rooted in old folktales warning against accepting candy from strangers.

During St. Martin’s celebrations in 19th- and early 20th-century Bavaria, particularly in the town of Wassertrüdingen, children were eager to test their bravery as they darted for treats, while adults cheered on Pelzmartel's antics. However, World War II dampened many such traditions, and Pelzmartel's fur-clad figure faded from the village streets. Yet, by the 1970s, the tradition saw a revival, with spirited celebrants donning ragged costumes and recreating the playful swats that once sent children into delighted fits of giggles.

Today, Pelzmartel is back in full swing, tossing out nuts—often nicknamed "Nutsmartel" for the occasion—and inviting children to snatch up his treats. And no need to worry; whether a child is “naughty or nice,” they’re likely to get a playful tap. It’s even considered good luck to be swatted by Pelzmartel’s switch, so they rush to grab the treats without fear.

This swatting tradition might have roots in the Martel switches, a custom among herdsmen who, on St. Martin’s Day, would offer their employers bundles of twigs as a symbol of appreciation for the season’s wages. These switches, also thought to bring luck, would be displayed in the home all winter long, until spring arrived and it was time to lead the cattle back to pasture.

Pelzmartel's tale, filled with thrills, treats, and just a hint of mischief, keeps the holiday spirit alive in a way that’s just a bit eerie, reminding us that the path to a cozy holiday season can come with a few well-timed swats—and the echo of jingling bells lurking in the shadows.