Pennsylvania dutch christmas traditions. Add milk and flour and beat hard for five minutes.

Pennsylvania dutch christmas traditions During the Christmas season, when neighborhoods are alight with decorations, wreaths, and lights, candles in the window add an element of understated elegance The Pennsylvania Dutch "Night Before Christmas" is a rich tapestry of traditions, interwoven with faith, family, and a deep connection to the land. This presentation introduces the folk customs, observations, and rituals in the culture’s annual celebrations of spring. Nov 30, 2012 - These stockings are inspired by the Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas traditions. —Fort Hunter Victorian Christmas, in the summer kitchen attached to the mansion, behind the gift shop; Dec. to 6 p. This is because Pennsylvania Dutch tree ornaments were often edible, such as cranberries or the “snitz,” a dried apple garland. Mostly cloudy with snow showers around before midnight. (WHTM) Late at night during the Christmas season, as you sit comfortably by the fire with your children, you may hear the sound of a bell ringing outside, then the scratching and tapping of sticks To delight the children, the mothers made enormous ginger cookies, cutting them into fascinating shapes. Common dishes across the state during this season include goose, duck, or pig, complemented by an array of side dishes that truly elevate the dining experience. It's interesting to think the frugal, hardworking PA Dutch influenced so many of our Easter and Christmas holiday traditions. —Linglestown Square . December 25th is First Christmas Day, Eerste Kerstdag. The mythical character of Sinterklaas is based on the patron saint of children, Saint Nicholas. Low 24F. Beat the butter to a cream and gradually add the sugar. Try paw-paw stuffing, which uses a native Pennsylvania fruit, or Dutch-style potato stuffing for homestyle comfort food vibes. —Sharon Allen, Allentown, Pennsylvania Nutrition Facts: 2 cookies: 237 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Each year, in early December, the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center holds Christmas on the Farm in Kutztown. Mix together all of the crust ingredients to form the dough for the crust, and set the dough aside. 2. Find and save ideas about dutch christmas on Pinterest. From his word use to nods to German culture and traditions. Nicholas’ Eve, which falls on December 5th, the Dutch begin exchanging gifts. Many of these were put on the tree as ornaments. It is still a holiday in the Netherlands. Company artists appropriated and reinterpreted the folk-art traditions from the region's Pennsylvania Dutch or German community. This shaggy, fearsome, and often mischievous character is a stark contrast to the jolly image of Santa Claus, embodying both the rewards and punishments of Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cooking features the interplay between sweet and salty flavors, such as in schnitz un knepp * and gumbis *, and between sweets and sours. Many have claimed that Pennsylvania Germans brought the idea of the Stuffing — or dressing, which is stuffing cooked outside of the bird — is another traditional side that you can spin a number of awesome directions that go well above and beyond average. to 4 p. Rites of Spring: Eastertide and Vernal Traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch; Studio Visit with Hex Sign and Barn Star Painters Eric Claypoole and Andrew Shirk; Painter of The Stars: The Life and Work of Milton J. The annual event celebrates PA Dutch Christmas traditions, and the Belsnickel always makes an appearance. This Christmas toast the legendary character with a Belsnickel Dark Lager, a locally brewed beer. Then add the unbeaten egg and beat all together thoroughly. A very old PA Dutch Christmas Eve tradition (originating in Germany) was to hide a pickle ornament deep in the branches of the family Christmas tree. Father Christmas, was known to them in 1886 as Sinter Claus. Synopsis []. These cookies are easy to customize to your tastes with various toppings and make a fun activity for everyone involved. Private. ” Comprised of butter, sugar, and flour and decorated with fun toppings, this old fashioned sand tart recipe is a PA Dutch Christmas cookie baking tradition. ” An old-time Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas. version of the show The Office — have probably heard of the Belsnickel. It became popular in the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside in the 19th century and even into the 20th century, although there was a significant declined in the early part of the 1900 hundreds. People would make a hot The Pennsylvania Dutch consist of a number of different religions, from Catholics and Lutherans to Amish and Mennonites, so Christmas is celebrated with various amounts of religious emphasis in Christmas and Easter, the Yule tree and log, colorful decorations, baskets, and pictures of bunnies. Uncover the origins and cultural significance of Belsnickel, a complex figure of winter lore, and learn how to bake traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Lebkuchen, a festive cookie rich in spices and history. #sandtart #recipe #homemade #cookies #cookie Today, we can’t even imagine Christmas without our traditional songs, be they old or new, religious or secular. Nearly 300 years later, Moravians continue celebrating their Christmas season traditions in Bethlehem. Hill (1887-1972) The German Bible in America; Search. The event will feature Pennsylvania Dutch folklife demonstrations, live animals, kids activities, local folk artists, traditional music, and visits from the Belsnickel. They are a group of people (of Swiss, Alsatian, and Palatine origin) who earlier shared and still share to a certain extent a common High-German Palatein dialect, and who settled mostly in Pennsylvania in the 18th Century and later. The Amish are known for putting together quite a spread on Christmas Day, full of everyone's favorite old-fashioned dishes. When I mention sand tarts to people who know and understand the regional component, they get excited and plead with me to make them a batch. Christmas is 25 December, but the Dutch refer to this as the 1st Day of Christmas. For Pennsylvania Dutch children Christmas starts with the beginning of ‘chriskringling’, the two-week period culminating in Christmas. Zwarte Piet carries a bag filled with goodies, usually chocolate coins and mandarin oranges. English Victorian Traditions. The Pennsylvania Dutch, who were German, are credited with bringing many of their country’s Christmas customs to America. Don Yoder was cofounder of the Pennsylvania Folklife Society, longtime editor of its journal Pennsylvania Folklife, and Professor of Traditional Dutch Christmas Desserts. Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine reflects influences of the Pennsylvania Dutch's German heritage, agrarian society, and rejection of rapid change. Lancaster County, PA, has a large Amish and Mennonite population, and sand tarts Read:A farm that's been in the same family for 200 years is in the path of proposed power line Generally, the Belsnickel was considered a scout for St. The old Pennsylvania Dutch saying “7-sweets-7-sours” refers to the inclusion of both sweet and sour dishes in a meal to balance out the flavors. Add milk and flour and beat hard for five minutes. Mrs. PA Dutch Side Dishes. (Courtesy of Chris Otto, www. Many of the first arrivals were Germans with Plain Sect heritage. RITES OF SPRING: EASTERTIDE AND VERNAL TRADITIONS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH Presented by Patrick J. 1 at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University. Many PA Dutch families In German and Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, the fur-clad Belsnickel rewards good children with Christmas gifts — and punishes naughty ones with his birch switch. Another old time favorite in the Netherlands is Dutch Christmas tradition #10: Watch Dutch Christmas movies. It's a celebration of simplicity, community, and the enduring spirit of a unique cultural group. From the timeless customs of the Pennsylvania Dutch to festive celebrations in bustling towns, Lancaster County is a magical place to experience the holiday season. When the party planning committee forgets to plan the annual Christmas party, Dwight gets everyone to celebrate with a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas. 7 presentation by Debbie Hartman of the Lebanon County Cooperative Extension’s Cooking Institute. The Pennsylvania Dutch are sometimes also called Pennsylvania Germans since they were immigrants to America who remained in tight-knit communities in Pennsylvania where they continued to speak German. Our state offers so many unique opportunities to celebrate many things ranging from fireflies to the culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Would you like to experience Christmas the way Pennsylvania Germans did a century or more ago? You can do that at Christmas on the Farm, a celebration of the season and Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas and folk traditions that will be held from 10 a. The Pennsylvania Dutch "Night Before Christmas" is a rich tapestry of traditions, interwoven with faith, family, and a deep connection to the land. Boil water and cook noodles per directions on bag, cooking noodles until just tender. Shamokin, PA (17872) Today. [4] [5] They largely originate from the Palatinate region of Germany, and The Christmas Tradition of Belsnickel, a Pennsylvania Dutch ‘Santa in Furs’ and creativity of Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas traditions. It is said that in olden days a housewife and her daughters made enough cookies to last until Easter. Yet, there are few that offer the secret to achieving that Pennsylvania dutch pork and sauerkraut This Sand Tart Cookie Recipe is our family recipe perfect for the Christmas & Holiday season making a big batch of cookies. Pennsylvania Dutch Sand Tarts are addicting little cookies that I grew up eating every year at Christmas. Here are 18 traditions that some Pennsylvania communities celebrate, from drinking “boilo” to decorating the home with an upside-down Christmas tree. papergreat. The traditional Dutch Christmas decorations exist out a Christmas tree, everyday things such as lights on houses, bushes and throughout the house, as well as candles in many The Christmas tradition started in 2005 with the publication of "Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition" by Carol Aebersold and her twin daughters, Chanda Bell and Christa Pitts. Throughout the festive season in Pennsylvania, it’s captivating to observe how traditional Christmas ornaments uniquely resonate with us. Anyone can find this group. Stockings Measure 20 L x 10 W. Among of the most popular holiday traditions in America are the Tuba Christmas concerts. Learn about a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas Situated in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Good ‘N Plenty Restaurant has been serving up classic Pennsylvania Dutch fare since 1969. From the Recipe Creator: At our house, it wouldn't be Christmas without these Pennsylvania Dutch cookies, which are known locally as kiffels. “The Pennsylvania Dutch played a unique role in introducing many holiday traditions to the region’s culture that are still practiced today, including Christmas Trees, distinctive foodways and Fred Fritch and the Longswamp Pennsylvania Dutch language class sing a few Christmas carols, in the PA Dutch dialect. A vintage depiction of a Belsnickel. They brought with them many customs, traditions and skills that many The reason? Some believe that the tradition was started to save space in small homes or as even a religious origin. Shoemaker, Christmas in Pennsylvania: A Folk-Cultural Study (Kutztown, PA: Pennsylvania Folklore Society, 1959), 75. Many people make these into gingerbread-type cookies, but this recipe is baked like a cake. For weeks before Christmas the house is filled with the smell of almond cookies, anise cookies, sandtarts, Belsnickle Christmas cookies, walnut kisses, pfeffernusse, and other traditional cookies. Christmas feasts have been a focal point of Lancaster County gatherings since the 1700s! The Belsnickel is one part of the annual Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas program, Christmas on the Farm, at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University in Berks County On The Spark Wednesday, Doug Madenford, host of the YouTube channel PA Dutch 101 and the author of multiple books on the PA Dutch language and culture, explained what part Belsnickel played in the Thank you for this article. Leave a shoe out with snacks and you might find a gift the next morning On 5 December, people celebrate Sinterklaas. This traditional Pennsylvania-Dutch menu has something for everyone, and it's sure to please 'em all! Host Patrick Donmoyer shares the folklore and customs the Pennsylvania Dutch have celebrated for centuries during the holiday season on Pennsylvania German. Their chicken pot pie is a menu staple, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and served in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Chocolate Santas. He dresses up as the traditional winter Christmas gift-bringer figure Belsnickel, cooks Dutch food, and plays a game called "Impish or Admirable". The idea of animals speaking is a common folk belief and most of these Pennsylvania Dutch supernatural occurrences are said to take place between 11pm and midnight. ), Ontario (Canada) and other regions of the United States and Canada, most predominantly in the US Mid-Atlantic region. One of our favorite parts of a Pennsylvania Dutch Christmasis the special tradition of hiding the pickle in the Christmas tree. At the center of a home’s Christmas celebration was the tree, a fir cut from Pennsylvania’s The Moravians brought the tradition of making putzes at Christmas from Saxony to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in the 18th century, a Pennsylvania Dutch Holiday Traditions of the Calendar Year. Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine is a rich and flavorful culinary tradition rooted in the agricultural heritage of the Pennsylvania Dutch, a cultural group descended from German-speaking immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania The party planning committee drops the ball on the annual Christmas party, and on the behest of Jim, Dwight gets everyone to celebrate with a traditional Schrute Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas. The recipe BETHLEHEM, Pa. Check out our family home VIDEO of our cookie-making session. This cheery card was postmarked on December 14, 1915, in Wrightsville, York County, Pa. The party planning committee drops the ball on the annual Christmas party, and on the behest of Jim Halpert, Dwight Schrute gets everyone to celebrate with a traditional Schrute Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas. Amish Sand Tart Cookies Recipe. Group created on April 26, While the Dutch don’t refer to the day after Christmas as Boxing Day, they do retain the tradition of the Christmas box or package (kerstpakket). package cream cheese ; 1 stick softened butter ; 1 cup flour ; 1½ tablespoons sugar; Method. From his strict sense of law and order to his upkeep of old Schrute family traditions, he proudly lives his German (Pennsylvania Dutch) heritage. Dutch Christmas decorations. Tradition states that certain sweets are eaten (peppernuts, spicenuts, almond bars etc). Nicholas or Santa. Address: 150 Eastbrook Rd, Smoketown, PA 17576 Explore the Christmas Traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch https://www. Pennsylvania Dutch Language & Religion A baptismal message written in Pennsylvania Dutch and created in Bethel Township, Pennsylvania, 1771, via InCollect Keeping Pennsylvania Dutch Holiday Traditions Alive. Rice’s first book, the well-loved classic Cajun Night Before Classic Pennsylvania Dutch Cooking (2010) by Betty Groff. Scandinavian Traditions. Heemet (pronounced HAY-met), means “home” in Pennsylvania Dutch. Estimated reading time: 2 minutes Up until the second World War, if a Shenandoah Valley [VA] family was a member of the Lutheran or Reformed church, the children could expect a Christmas Eve visit from the The Christmas tradition started in 2005 with the publication of "Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition" by Carol Aebersold and her twin daughters, Chanda Bell and Christa Pitts. — The Pennsylvania Dutch communities throughout northeastern PA, celebrate the Christmas holiday with many family traditions. Yorkraft Incorporated, located in York, Pennsylvania, created note cards, greeting cards, and gift items during the mid-20th century. You probably know the famous Christmas movies like Home Alone or The Nightmare before Christmas, but there are some Dutch Christmas movies as well. ) Merry Christmas, Only in York County readers! Today, I’d like to share with you some fun Pennsylvania Dutch (Pennsylvania German) Christmas stories. The Pennsylvania Dutch (Pennsylvania German: Pennsylvanisch Deitsche), [1] [2] [3] also referred to as Pennsylvania Germans, are an ethnic group in Pennsylvania (U. 🙂 But if you want to have the old-fashioned German traditional PA, Dickens of a Christmas turns Wellsboro, PA, into a Victorian-era village. Growing up heritage and traditions were not talked about as such, but were still practiced. If you prefer staying warm and cozy all winter long, you can do just that when you drive through the 1. Christmas cookies are still an important part of Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas festivities. To be counted a true Pennsylvania Dutchman, one must cling to “Dutch” patterns of life, whether his family settled in Pennsylvania, Ohio, or other parts of the Middle West. The rich seasonal customs and annual traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch blend the Old World liturgical calendar with agricultural traditions and folk-cultural expressions. This is the day when families gather, have dinner together and exchange presents. Find and save ideas about dutch christmas traditions on Pinterest. The party planning committee drops the ball on the annual Christmas party, and at the behest of Jim, Dwight gets everyone to celebrate with a traditional Schrute Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas. If you're lookin' for good homestyle eats this Christmas — and who isn't? — then it's time to invite a bit of Amish country into your kitchen. Belsnickel came with German immigrants to Pennsylvania in the early 1800s and is still known by many in the Pa. He currently resides in Devon, Pennsylvania. Find the inspiration you need to create the perfect scene! The Christmas season is one of the busiest times in the Pennsylvania Dutch kitchen, where the cookbooks are thrown open and Amish recipes start flying. Let’s take a deeper dive into all of Dwight’s Germanness throughout ALL 9 seasons of The Office. 2, featuring Pennsylvania Dutch folklife demonstrations, live animals, kid’s activities, local folk artists, traditional music and visits from the Belsnickel. But since most of the gift-giving is done around and for Sinterklaas, Christmas day itself is a time for church services and traditional family meals, including special breakfasts and formal dinners that include gourmetten. History. Photo Credit: jolly_n_tasty. — Is it tradition or superstition? Eating pork and sauerkraut is a New Year’s staple in many Pennsylvania homes, dating back to the arrival of the European immigrants here in the 1600s. Historians believe that upside-down Christmas trees prevented mice from eating the ornaments. Christmas on the Farm 2023 will be held from 11 a. In general you could say there are two types of Dutch Christmas movies. Darryl fears that Jim has forgotten to include him in the new job in Philadelphia. To understand how the Dutch celebrate Christmas, it’s important to delve into various Dutch traditions such as Sinterklaas I should have pointed out that this candy seems to be one of the most traditional Pa. We will look at various PA Dutch Christmas traditions, learn some PA Dutch vocabulary associated with Christmas and sing “O Grischtdaags Those in attendance were able to enjoy cookies and hot chocolate as Kershner continued on discussing the special local cooking traditions enjoyed by the Pennsylvania Dutch at Christmas. The father didn’t have a dowry for his three daughters, a necessity for marriage in Asia Minor at the time. As early as the 1820’s Father Christmas showed up in Pennsylvania as Belsnickle, which means “Nicholas in Furs. The Christmas culinary delights in Pennsylvania draw heavily from Dutch traditions, shaping the festive dishes you’ll encounter during your visit. — Home and Backyard is sharing Christmas traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch! One of the holiday traditions for some PA Dutch is a visit from the Belsnickel. However, he became more widely known when one of the most famous Pennsylvania Dutchmen, Dwight Schrute, dressed as Belsnickel in an episode of “The Office. This is a time for families to gather together and enjoy a meal, exchange gifts, and attend church services. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the Pennsylvania Dutch heritage of our area, don’t miss the Amish Farmhouse Christmas Experience! From November 26th to Other tasty PA Dutch holiday treats include sand tart cookies (crumbly sugar cookies with nuts), nut cups (mini nut pies), soft molasses cookies and bread pudding. S. NOTE the time is way off. Our friend Ben and Silence Dogood enjoyed our first Christmas celebration last The folk festival is held annually in early July, while the cultural heritage center offers seasonal events like Heemet Fescht, Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas, and their annual Easter on the Farm. The Macy’s Christmas Light Show has been a tradition in Center City since 1956. This is due mainly to the fact that these areas are heavily populated by the Amish and PA Dutch. Drain. Scrapple Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, Lancaster County offers a rich blend of traditions that reflect its deep historical roots and vibrant community spirit. “The Pennsylvania Dutch tradition of the Belsnickel kind of died out,” Madenford said. Children’s / family movies like Pietje Bel (2002) or Finn (2013). It descends from the dish Saumagen native to the Rhineland-Pfalz or Palatinate area of Southwestern Germany. 1 3-oz. . Colonial Virginia Traditions. After being admitted into a house by its curious children, Belsnickel either handed out treats like cakes, candies, fruits, and nuts, or distributed smacks with the switch he carried. Visible. We were a Pennsylvania Dutch family, growing up in the heart of PA coal region, and many things were done or said that we just took for granted was “the way we did things” and didn’t really question why at the time. -----Christmas on the Farm - December 7, 2024 - 11 a. – Christmas on the Farm 2023 will be held 11 a. Employee Recipes. Meanwhile, add oil to frying pan and heat over medium heat. Many food dishes that remain popular to this day are associated with the Pennsylvania Dutch, including pretzels, sauerkraut, fasnachts, liverwurst, scrapple * , and dandelion salad. Many people also take the opportunity to view the beautiful Dutch Christmas decorations that adorn homes and public spaces. Upside-down Christmas tree. Learn about Kutztown’s regional folk culture at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center’s annual Christmas on the Farm: a celebration of the holiday season and PA German Christmas traditions. Hiding a pickle. Read the intro for a brief backstory on Betty’s family (who settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1710), and Pennsylvania Dutch traditions. Saint Nicholas Day is also observed in We mentioned a couple of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch desserts, so you may be wondering what other Christmas traditions come from this culture. Ingredients. Here are several traditional PA dutch side dishes to help you maintain a balanced meal. As Dutch Christmas draws to a close, the festivities continue with Dutch Christmas Eve, or Kerstavond. The culture, customs and Christmas traditions of these “Pennsylvania Germans” or “Pennsylvania Dutch,” as they came to be called, were the subject of a Dec. The book features a Scout Elf who PA Dutch Sand Tarts are a Christmas cookie from Lancaster, PA. From carefully crafted handmade ornaments to intricate wreaths and charming Sinterklaas: Dutch Christmas is Built Different. The tradition evolved here (as it did in the UK), from a gift of food for farm The Pennsylvania Dutch Tradition. Annabelle Vance, a former Hardy The late Shoemaker wrote several ground-breaking books on the Pennsylvania Dutch. 5-mile Dutch Wonderland Holiday Lights in The cake is a Christmas tradition from Germany that was invented by medieval monks in the 13th century. Rice’s first book, the well-loved classic Cajun Night Before Christmas®, has more than 750,000 copies in print. Online Folklife Resources; Author/illustrator James Rice (1934-2004) produced sixty books, including the illustrations for Pelican’s treasured The Night Before Christmas Series. The Impact of Social and Cultural Factors. [4] [5] They largely originate from the Palatinate region of Germany, and Belsnickel as depicted by artist Ralph D. Second Christmas. Here's a brief look at the history and traditions of Christmas in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. According to archival documents from Lancaster History, a local historical society, traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas festivities focused less on gift-giving and more on gathering with family for food and church services. Skip to Content The Mortician About Discover the delicious tradition of baking sand tarts, a vintage Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas cookie made with butter, sugar, and flour, and decorated with festive toppings. Spanning four stories, the massive display dominates the store’s Grand Court. These illustrations, like the one on this holiday card, appealed to those who desired quaint and nostalgic images--a A place to collect and post PA Dutch recipes and family traditions and stories behind them. Amish Christmas Traditions. Comb through He has also written two children's books, Pennsylvania Dutch Night before Christmas and Pennsylvania Dutch Alphabet. One of Fogg’s top five most popular blog posts was about clear toy candy that German immigrants gave their children at Christmas. I thought everyone’s family made sand tart cookies, and little did I know that it was a very regional cookie introduced by the Pennsylvania Dutch. Recorded at the Dryville Hotel, Lyons R If you want to learn more about Pennsylvania culture and traditions, we recommend taking a look at our coverage of the many fantastic festivals in Pennsylvania. Author/illustrator James Rice (1934-2004) produced sixty books, including the illustrations for Pelican’s treasured The Night Before Christmas Series. The filling is the consistency of thick apple butter. He dresses up as the traditional winter Christmas gift-bringer figure Belsnickel, cooks German food, and plays a game similar to "Naughty or Nice". 1 cup sugar 2 cups flour 1 egg 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder Piece of butter the size of egg Pinch of salt 1 cup milk A little grated nutmeg. Polish Christmas Traditions. com/blog/exploring-pennsylvania-dutch-christmas-traditions/ Their rural lifestyle, occupation-based naming practices, and religious and cultural influences all played a role in shaping the unique naming traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch communities. jamesernst. It combines deep-rooted customs, festive activities, and communal gatherings that capture the spirit of the season. 1 The other German group was the Plain The traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cherish the family and take pride in their homes. All throughout December, amateur and professional choirs and orchestras give holiday concerts in venues all around the country. This helped shape the New World Christmas traditions as we know them today. 0. Young readers can enjoy more of Gaston®’s adventures in Gaston® Goes to Mardi Gras and sample Here are 18 traditions that some Pennsylvania communities celebrate, from drinking “boilo” to decorating the home with an upside-down Christmas tree. The Pennsylvania Dutch had a holiday tradition: A grouchy fur-clad character, der Belsnickel, would visit homes before Christmas with goodies and a hickory switch. “It’s only within the last 20-25 years that this tradition has kind of become cool again. The cinnamon-sugar topping with halved nut is the original Well, of course, you can. An ijsstam is a bar of ice cream with chocolate that is often served as dessert at Christmas. The sack of gifts, in particular the foil-wrapped chocolate coins, are symbolic of the assistance Saint Nicholas gave a poor father back in the 3rd century. Dutch community. -4 NEW HOLLAND, Pa. It's also called 'pakjesavond' (gifting evening). Christmas Day in the Netherlands. These enduring decorations embody the profound history of the Keystone State and bring a sense of warmth and reminiscence to our celebrations. Pattern comes complete with template wording with wonderful Old Style German font for 1886, Sinter Claus & 25. The ethnic group known as the Pennsylvania “Dutch” (from Deutsch) has left an indelible impress upon the American way of life. His books have been translated and published in many languages and countries, including France, Germany, Russia, Italy, and Japan, as well as British editions of several of his novels. What's Christmas like in Germany? I share all of the best German Weihnachten decorations (German Christmas smokers, wooden Christmas pyramids), traditions, decorating tips and decorations (Advent wreath, Advent calendar), ornaments, Christmas markets, baking recipes, cookies, authentic food, desserts, and more! 3. — We are celebrating Christmas Pennsylvania Dutch style! Shoofly Pie is delicious molasses flavored dessert that is prepared in many PA Dutch homes as a Christmas tradition. Nowadays, mostly only Amish groups still celebrate Second Christmas. Search for: Search. Apple dumplings — a delectable apple pastry, made from peeled, cored and seasoned apples wrapped in a flaky dough shell, covered in a sweet syrup and baked — have tremendous popularity I have a lot of favorite memories about childhood Christmases on the farm: coming in from the barn with red cheeks and noses, Saturdays spent munching on nut cups while sprinkling cinnamon, sugar and chopped nuts on sand tarts. m. Saturday, Dec. Often a relative or Crust Ingredients. 14, 10 a. With over 100,000 multicolored LED lights, The tradition of pork and sauerkraut still runs deep in central and south-central Pennsylvania. Traditionally, Sinterklaas' helpers would have already delivered presents the night before by sliding down Explore the enchanting world of Pennsylvania Dutch traditions with the folklore of Belsnickel and the delight of Lebkuchen cookies. Indulge your interest in regional folk culture at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center’s Christmas on the Farm 2024: a celebration of the holiday season and PA German Christmas traditions. Families joined in a celebration of the holiday season and explored Pennsylvania German Christmas traditions at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center in Kutztown on Saturday, Dec. For the dough: 454 grams The Pennsylvania Dutch, who were German, are credited with bringing many of their country’s Christmas customs to America. Pennsylvania Dutch Food (33 Traditional PA Recipes) AMAZON DISCLOSURE: I am a participant If you are Catholic, the traditional mass will take place, but other than that, NOTHING happens on the 24th. 1 cup butter; 2 cups granulated sugar ; 3 eggs ; 3 1/2 to 4 cups flour; 1 teaspoon salt ; 2 teaspoons baking powder ; 1 teaspoon vanilla or lemon extract Christmas on the Farm is a free event which features Pennsylvania Dutch folklife demonstrations, live animals, kid’s activities, local folk artists and more. The figure is also preserved in Pennsylvania Dutch communities [2] and Christmas at Dutch Wonderland is a favorite holiday tradition for many families. Dutch Christmas candies. A menacing character said to punish naughty children at Christmastime with a birch switch, Belsnickel can be traced to the Palatinate region of southwestern Germany. On December 6, the feast of Saint Nicholas is observed according to Sinterklaas tradition, and on St. This is going to vary depending on a lot of factors. Don't Edit Beveled Glass Moravian Star. I hope you and your family will enjoy this long time An Authentic Christmas Comfort Food. The late Shoemaker wrote several ground-breaking books on the Pennsylvania Dutch. The naming traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch community are deeply influenced by social and cultural factors. Candy Canes. December 2021: This month is a special episode dedicated to all things Christmas. Every year before Christmas, my mom sent out stacks of Christmas cards to almost everyone we knew. 8, 1 p. Each family member is important to the survival of a self-sustaining house- Christmas traditions Pennsylvania Dutch Traditions. Dunkelberger in Alfred L. Nutcrackers, snowmen, and more holiday characters dance to the sounds of Deck the Halls and other favorite Christmas carols. Advent Calendars. ” 2 thoughts on “ Belsnickel A Pennsylvania German Christmas Tradition ” We were a Pennsylvania Dutch family, growing up in the heart of PA coal region, and many things were done or said that we just took for granted was “the way we When the two World Wars were ongoing, many German-origin traditions were stopped, including the fur-clad Christmas visitor. Scale 1x 2x 3x. Attend a Christmas Eve Dinner: Many restaurants and communities host special events, offering a taste of authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and festive music. Only members can see who's in the group and what they post. The Belsnickel (not to be confused with Krampus) is a fascinating figure in the folklore of Pennsylvania German culture, blending elements of European Christmas traditions with a uniquely American twist. Belsnickel (also known as Belschnickel, Belznickle, Belznickel, Pelznikel, Pelznickel, Bell Sniggle [1]) 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. Tags: Christmas cookie recipes, Christmas cookies, Kutztown PA, Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas traditions, William Woys Weaver trackback. Hand-crafted in small batches in the old Pennsylvania Dutch kitchen tradition, clear toy candy’s history can be traced as far back as 1750 in Philadelphia. (Photo used courtesy of Visit Potter Tioga) There are few more famous Christmas books than “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, and, in early December, the community of Wellsboro in northern Pennsylvania typically turns back the clock to Christmas in the Victorian era of Dickens. In due time, this belief made its roots into America. The book features a Scout Elf who Another Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, which isn’t practiced much anymore, was to place eggs laid on Good Friday in a special place in the home, such as the attic. Heemet Fescht is a free, fun, and educational event for the whole family, with live music in the barnyard, traditional arts, barn star painting, folklife demonstrations, hayrides, pumpkin painting, and children's crafts. Make Your Own Ornaments: Engage in the spirit of tradition by making your own ornaments from materials like straw, Belsnickel Is Coming to Town: Learn More About This Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas Tradition Pennsylvania Dutch folks — and maybe fans of the U. Don Yoder was cofounder of the Pennsylvania Folklife Society, longtime editor of its journal Pennsylvania Folklife, and Professor of Folklife Studies at the University of Pennsylvania from 1956 to 1996. , and is addressed to Miss Mable Smith, also of Wrightsville. com. Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine is the typical and traditional fare of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Skip to as this Christmas tradition permeated south and into the Shenandoah Valley region, Kris Kringling and Belsnickling have become synonymous. It’s called Hog Maw or Seimaage in Pennsylvania German. And it’s likely to become your family’s new favorite tradition too! Some claim th The Pennsylvania Dutch consist of a number of different religions, from Catholics and Lutherans to Amish and Mennonites, so Christmas is celebrated with various amounts of religious emphasis in different houses, The Pennsylvania Dutch responded by celebrating their most cherished Christmas traditions from home and creating a few new ones. Apple Dumplings. Dec. Let’s explore the cherished Christmas I Grew up Eating Pennsylvania Dutch Sand Tarts Every Christmas. The Netherlands has a unique and rich tapestry of holiday traditions that make Christmas a special time of year. Macy’s light show is a Philly tradition. Second Christmas is exactly what it sounds like—celebrated by the Pennsylvania Dutch the day after Christmas, it was traditionally an opportunity to relax, visit extended family, and engage in less-religious holiday activities. Here are ten local Lancaster County holiday traditions: 1. Growing up in Chester County, Pennsylvania I remember hearing that animals could speak on Christmas night. The Pennsylvania Dutch or the Pennsylvania Germans are descendants of German speaking people who settled in Pennsylvania. Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Schnitz pie is an apple pie made with cooked dried apples and spices. There are tons of pork and sauerkraut recipes online. Christmas dinner in Pennsylvania. (AP) — On Christmas Eve in 1741, Moravian settlers named this Pennsylvania city after the biblical birthplace of Jesus. Browse our 2024 catalog. Pennsylvania Dutch fought in the American Armed Forces during both conflicts but found their cultural identity fading after 1945 when many people gave up their traditional language for English. CHALFONT, Pa. These traditions are rooted in both sacred and secular practices, and form the colorful backdrop for the region’s cultural Here are 18 traditions that some Pennsylvania communities celebrate, from drinking “boilo” to decorating the home with an upside-down Christmas tree. DANVILLE, Pa. ” Christmas Markets Amish Farmhouse Christmas Experience. December 21, 2008 Posted by ourfriendben in homesteading, recipes, wit and wisdom. In the Pennsylvania Dutch counties of Berks and Lancaster, there is what some might consider a particularly frightening dish served around the Christmas holidays that is a cousin to goetta. KUTZTOWN, Pa. Located on the historic Sharadin Farmstead at 22 Luckenbill Road, Kutztown, the event is free, fun, and educational for the whole family. [1]It is common to find Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine throughout the Philadelphia, Allentown and Lancaster regions of Pennsylvania. Christmas Day and Second Christmas Day. Donmoyer. yxdtn gaptf omff zjeg gmrxz szqw jgfoe zwsjk pzl hkrsxo