German roots run deep in Pendleton County. From the names of the county’s local landmarks, foods that one eats, and family traditions, there is no denying the Germanic heritage of Appalachia.
Friday night, several residents from the Schmucker Road area decided to revive an almost forgotten tradition of belsnickling. The formal definition of belsnickling is a German American holiday tradition where people go door-to-door during the Christmas season, often disguised in masks, rags, and furs to surprise neighbors. The neighbors then invite the guests inside where they must guess the identity of each belsnickler.
Though times have changed since the inception of this tradition, nobody wore furs and the group called ahead to let neighbors know masked strangers would be appearing on their doorstep, many of the traditions remained the same. The belsnicklers wore masks, stuffed pillows into their clothing to change their shape, and altered their voices. Once inside the visited homes, the neighbor would ask a series of questions to see if they could guess the identity of each belsnickler. If questions were not enough, hints were given. Once a belsnickler’s identity was correctly guessed, they would remove their mask.
The belsnicklers traveled throughout the Upper Tract and Deer Run areas. They visited a total of seven homes where laughter was in ample supply. Neighbors who had been visited then offered candies, drinks, and refreshments to the revelers.
In times when people can feel so divided, it is traditions like this that remind one of the importance of community and neighborly love. It is truly hoped that this tradition not only endures but grows in the years to come.
As somebody who was raised in Pendleton County and moved away, it was food for Carr’s soul to participate in this almost-forgotten tradition. Seeing the delight on the faces of the young and old, the sense of community, and hearing the stories of belsnickling of years past was a joy that could not be found anywhere else. To be able to share this experience with her mother and her daughter was a true gift. One small belsnickler even announced, “This is more fun than trick or treating.”
Submitted by Karen (Kile) Carr.
