Pelz(er)märtl and Pelznickl

Companion figure to gift bringers. In some regions he visits all on his own too. “Märtl” is a regional common form of Martin, “Nickl” is short for Nicholas. And as he comes in fur garments, he is called “Pelzmärtl or Pelznickl” (Fur Martin or Fur Nick). The actual gift bringers that he accompanies are, as the name already gives away, Saint Nicholas (on 6 December) or Saint Martin (on 11 November). Pelzmärtl/Pelznickl’s gifts are apples, nuts, gingerbread, mandarins, biscuits and some chocolate. Naughty children don’t get anything, just a piece of coal or a rod.