Bellsnickel and La Perre Foutar: Punishing Visitors in Holiday Traditions

This chapter explores the characters of Bellsnickel and La Perre Foutar, both variations of the punishing visitor theme in holiday traditions. It discusses their roles in punishing bad children through whippings, vandalism, and leaving coal or twigs instead of candy. The chapter also delves into the origins, appearances, and the competition between Bellsnickel and Santa Claus as the Christmas icon of the United States.