If you’ve ever wanted to explore the world of dark Christmas traditions, where fearsome spirits and creepy folklore roam the snowy nights, then look no further. In modern times, with indoor heating and cheery lights, this time of year is filled with joy and wonder. Go back a few hundred years, and winter time is one of fear, famine and fatality. So, it’s no wonder that old winter traditions often have a much more sinister story to tell. Let’s dive into the weird and wicked (and all too often cannabalistic) traditions of winters of yore!
Krampus
Who is he?
Krampus is actually a companion to St Nicholas. Jolly ol’ St Nick is celebrated on the 6th of December, but on the 5th, Krampus is the dark agent who precedes him. Krampus is usually depicted as a beastial, bipedal, anthropomorphic dark haired creature with two antlers or horns coming from his head and a very long forked tongue. It makes you ask the question, “who came first, Satan or Krampus?”
What does he do?
Krampus tackles the naughty list on his night, known as Krampus Night (Krampusnacht in German), the 5th of December. Naughty children were told that Krampus would come and beat them with birch rods or give them coal. Both of which are nicer options because Krampus would also sometimes kidnap and torture naughty children!
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Hans Trapp
Who is he?
Hans Trapp is the infamous Christmas scarecrow cannibal of France. He’s rumored to have once been a wealthy aristocrat who gained his good standing from nefarious deeds. Thrown out by the church, he sequestered in the wilderness until one day coming out of his cave as a scarecrow with a taste for human flesh.
What does he do?
The lore behind Hans Trapp is not for the light hearted! First, this vicious winter creature kidnaps children. From there he takes them to his cave where he slices them apart and prepares them to eat! Nothing says Christmas quite like cannibalism!
Pere Fouettard
Who is he?
On the other side of the Vosges mountain range in France lies another spectacularly spooky Christmas devil: Pere Fouettard. Unlike others on the list, who are more bestial in nature, Pere manifests as a man with a big beard and a hood over his head.
What does he do?
For some in France, his is the visage of Christmas nightmares and punishment. His usual means of punishing the naughty boys and girls is to whip them! Ouch!
Mari Lwyd
Who is she?
Mari Lwyd is a chilling winter ghost, brought to life with the skull of a horse draped in white cloth and ribbons, bells and baubles in Christmas colors. Puppeteers control her movements, which can be quite mischievous; she likes to chase and snap her jaw at onlookers.
What does she do?
Despite her spooky look, she’s quite a benevolent spirit in practice. She accompanies people out wassailing (singing carols). Inviting her into your house can bring good luck throughout the winter months.
Yule Lads
Who are they?
The 13 Yule Lads are the children of two cannibalistic mountain trolls. Like others on the list, their cannibalism is quenched by feasting on naughty children! These 13 children were likely born from a personification of the fear of homelessness and poverty, and the crimes that come from those conditions.
What do they do?
It’s now customary to leave out a shoe on the 13 days leading up to Christmas and receive a gift from each of the Yule Lads every night. Their stories have grown benign over the years but their names still reflect their malicious deeds. Names like Meat-Hook, Window-Peeper and Sausage-Swiper, these nefarious ragamuffins have a habit of breaking, entering and stealing!
Yule Cat
What is it?
The Yule Cat belongs to Gyrla, the mother of the Yule Lads. This cat is said to be as big as a building with dark fur and glowing eyes.
What does it do?
The Yule Cat stalks the homes of boys and girls on Christmas night. Peering into your window, it checks to see if you’ve received new clothes, specifically new socks. If you got socks it will move one, but if you did not, the Yule Cat will enter your home and eat you!
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Frau Perchta
Who is she?
With a beak of iron and a body dressed in rags, Frau Perchta is the old crone who haunts winter. Frau Perchta is nearly single minded in her aims and expectations for the winter time: finish your spinning and weaving, and keep a clean home!
What does she do?
Traveling with her gang of Krampus looking beasts, unbaptized children and an army of lost souls; her cries can be heard in the wind on winter nights. On January 6th be sure to leave out a bowl of porridge for her, but don’t forget to clean your home first. An unclean home will be due cause for her to disembowel you and replace your innards with rocks and straw.
Lussi
Who is she?
Lussi stands as the dark counterpart to St Lucia, celebrated on December 13th. While children honor St Lucia by dressing in white robes, carrying candles, and wearing candle-lit wreaths, Lussi brings the darkness of that same night. In medieval times, December 13th marked the winter solstice—the longest night of the year. Many describe Lussi as a witch-like demon, although few sources detail her physical appearance.
What does she do?
On Lussi Langnatt, the ominous night of December 13th, Lussi moves from house to house. In some tales, she inspects homes to ensure weaving and spinning are complete, much like Frau Perchta. Other stories claim she checks for ongoing housework—and if she catches you tidying up, she punishes you by smashing your chimney. It may not be the most horrifying fate on this list, but it’s certainly one to avoid!
The post Dark and Creepy Christmas Traditions and Tales appeared first on askAstrology.
