Krampus, also known as the Christmas Devil and the Christmas Demon, is a demonic accomplice of Saint Nicholas/Santa Claus who appears in various legends within most European countries, most notably Austria and Hungary. He was used as a scare them straight figure that would be used by children's parents as a means to frightening them into obeying them lest they become the next victims of Krampus.
In Germany, there is a day called "Krampushaeht", or "Krampus Night", that would be celebrated on December 5, ironically on the same day as St. Nicholas Day. Nowadays, there are festivals and parades thrown for the Krampus, and many people dress up like him within most Alpine towns in events such as as the Krampuslauf (translated in English as "Krampus Run" ).
[villains.wikia.com]
In the older (darker) tellings, the children Krampus takes away in his basket are never seen again - some say he eats them, others that he drowns them or carries them off to hell.
Perchta is a similar, female, character. Probably originally a pre-Christian Alpine goddess, in later folklore she became a sort of witch who served the same purpose as Krampus - traumatising small children so they'd behave themselves. If children have been very good and worked hard all year, Perchta might leave them a coin; if they had not she would slice them open, rip out their intestines and stuff them full of stones and straw. I think this really ought to be made into a Disney cartoon - the parental advisory notes would be worthwhile alone.
An ancient tradition but we have to remember not to take it too far, just a lump of coal or some chicken guts in the stocking are adequate these days.
Thanks for the history lesson.. Really interesting...
Posted by PiratefishSeasons greetings, you heathens.
Posted by SurfpirateA photographic collection of pagan costumes associated with the winter solstice. [dangerousminds.net]
Posted by MoonTigerIIAncient Evenings Fun!
Posted by AnonySchmoose[cell.
Posted by AnonySchmoose[cell.
Posted by AnonySchmoose[cell.
Posted by EyesThatSmileThis sculptor is amazing. [boredpanda.com]
Posted by DruviusWell preserved 500 year old ship found at bottom of Baltic Sea. Way cool find, hope we have the means to properly investigate it. [sciencealert.com]
Posted by qpr81there's a small island in front of the temple site and they found artifacts even there.
Posted by qpr81there's a small island in front of the temple site and they found artifacts even there.
Posted by qpr81there's a small island in front of the temple site and they found artifacts even there.
Posted by qpr81the hole in this image -according to the guide- was a window to let the sun rays hit a certain spot announcing the summer/winter etc.
Posted by qpr81Trajan's column in Rome. Shame they put a pope on top of it. Even though this is a monument raised over a genocide it's still something worth seeing.
Posted by qpr81Trajan's column in Rome. Shame they put a pope on top of it. Even though this is a monument raised over a genocide it's still something worth seeing.
Posted by qpr81Trajan's column in Rome. Shame they put a pope on top of it. Even though this is a monument raised over a genocide it's still something worth seeing.
Posted by qpr81Ħaġar Qim temple in Malta. Stunning even if a bit of walk...