Krampus and St. Later, they became part of Christian traditions in which St. Nicholas visited children to reward them on December 5 or 6. Around that time, his menacing partner would also visit kids to punish them. Austrian men would get drunk and run through the streets dressed as the fearsome creature.
Like Krampusnacht, the Krampuslauf tradition continues to the present day. When the postcard industry experienced a boom in Germany and Austria in the s, it opened the way for Krampuskarten. Many of these postcards depicted Krampus going after children with his sticks, leading them away in chains, or carrying them off in his bag.
There were also cards that were a little more…adult. Krampus cards in the early 20th century show him punishing children, yes, but also proposing to women. The origins of the Krampus were most likely pre-Christian; however it is a myth which has been incorporated into Christmas in many European countries.
In Italian folklore, Befana is an old woman who delivers gifts to children on the night of Epiphany Eve January 5 th in a similar way to Santa Claus. Legend has it that Befana rides through the air on a broomstick with a bag full of gifts and sweets, wearing a black shawl and covered in soot; as the enters homes through the chimney shaft.
Being a good housekeeper, she is said to sweep the floor after herself before she leaves, to some this symbolizes sweeping away the problems of the previous year. Perchta is another early Santa Claus type figure originating in Austrian Folkflore, and perhaps the most sinister of all the Santa archetypes. The exact origins of Perchta are somewhat unclear; rather there are several possible speculated origins from different European folk tales.
Legend has it that Perchta, sometimes described as a tall, white robed woman, would visit houses on the 12 th night of Christmas Feast of the Ephiphany and leave pieces of silver in the shoes of well behaved children.
Unruly children, according to the legend, had a fate far more gruesome. Perchta would punish them by gutting them alive and replacing their internal organs with refuse! November issue No Posted on December 12, by admin Share this on anywhere you want! Twitter Facebook December is upon us with its chill breeze and long dark nights; most of the world is fervently preparing for Christmas and embracing the festive season. Animals This odd Colorado River fish faces an uncertain future.
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