Posted on 12/05/2023 10:44:33 AM PST by Red Badger
KRAMPUSNACHT
On December 5th, adults celebrating Krampusnacht seek to punish misbehaving children. This not-so-jolly holiday is also referred to as Krampus Night.
Most people associate the holiday season with lots of cheer, merriment, and joy. However, there is one traditional holiday during this time of the year that doesn’t sound so fun. In fact, it seems a little scary. It’s actually more Halloween-like than Christmassy.
Krampusnacht dates back to pagan mythology. Some believe Krampus, also known as the “Horned God,” came from a pagan supernatural being who was assimilated to the devil. Horned devils came about during the 11th century. They often appeared in medieval plays. The name Krampus is derived from the German word krampen, which means “claw.” It’s no surprise that during the 12th century, the Catholic Church tried to ban Krampus celebrations. They did so because of his resemblance to the devil.
Krampusnacht survived, however, and over time, Krampus evolved into a child-terrorizing ghoul that came out before Christmas. On the evening of Krampusnacht, men dress as Krampus run through the streets and frighten children. Sometimes, Krampus even pokes the children with a stick. Traditional Krampus costumes are made up of a hand-carved wooden mask. A suit made from sheep or goatskin, along with cowbells around the hips, completes the costume.
In some countries, Krampus appears in the streets with St. Nicholas. Krampus punishes the naughty children while St. Nick rewards the good ones.
HOW TO OBSERVE #Krampusnacht
Krampusnacht is widely celebrated in Bavaria, Eastern Europe, and Germany. In recent years, it has also become a popular holiday in the United States. Some cities, such as Seattle, Philadelphia, and New Orleans hold Krampus parades. These parades often signify the beginning of the Christmas season. To participate:
Learn more about the history of Krampusnacht.
Attend Krampusnacht events in your city.
Watch a Krampus movie, such as Krampus, A Christmas Horror Story, or Krampus: The Christmas Devil. Have a Krampusnacht party and invite people to dress as Krampus. Share this bizarre holiday on social media with #Krampusnacht.
KRAMPUSNACHT HISTORY
In some countries, Krampusnacht has been celebrated for hundreds of years. The event always precedes the feast of St. Nicholas, which is held on December 6th.
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December 5th Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) History
1854
The U.S. Patent Office issued patent No. 12,017 to inventor Aaron Allen of Boston, MA for an "Improvement in Self-Adjusting Opera-Seat" or a folding chair for theaters and other public spaces.
1876
Daniel C. Stillson receives patent No. 184,993 for the first practical pipe wrench adding to the tools of the plumbers' trade and fixing leaky faucets everywhere.
1933
With Utah's ratification, three-fourths of the states ratify the 21st amendment, repealing the 18th amendment and repealing Prohibition.
1955
The Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama begins, protesting segregated seating after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man.
1999
The animated film Stuart Little made its Westwood, CA premiere. Based on the book by E.B. White, the film starred Michael J. Fox, Geena Davis, and Hugh Laurie. Rob Minkoff directed.
December 5th Celebrated (And Not So Celebrated) Birthdays
Elizabeth Cabot Agassiz - 1822
As an educator, Agassiz co-founded Radcliffe College in 1879 and became the college's first president.
Clinton Hart Merriam - 1855
In 1888, the American biologist and ethnologist helped to found the National Geographic Society.
Clyde Vernon Cessna - 1879
The aviation pioneer launched the Cessna Aircraft Company in 1922.
Walt Disney - 1901
The animator and entrepreneur launched the Walt Disney Company in 1923. From Mickey Mouse to Mulan and The Lion King, Disney's kingdom continues to grow.
Ann Shaw Carter - 1922
In 1947, Carter became the first woman in the United States to earn her helicopter pilot's license. She became a commercial helicopter pilot and one of the first members of the Whirly-Girls.
Little Richard - 1932
The flamboyant rock and roll performer of the 1950s brought crowds to their feet with his hit songs "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Good Golly Miss Molly," and "Tutti Frutti."
PinGGG!.......................
At least we have St. Nicholas Day on Dec 6!
But for how many more years?..................Eventually, all religious festivals of any kind will be banned........................
Hope Kachinas can be like this. Some adults dress in costume with masks and visit children and seem to know just how the kid has been naughty. I saw a museum exhibit about this years ago. I forget what happened but I think there was a fairly benign consequence.
Thanks Red Badger, you're a daring FReeper, BTW. :^)
I meant “Hopi “.
I’d never heard of this!.....................
Yup. In certain German towns high-spirited youth would run up and down the streets hitting random strangers in the butt with switches. Probably not a good idea to try exporting that custom to an open-carry state...
Not so subtle reminder for the kiddos about naughty and nice.
High-spirited youths would quickly become dead-spirited yutes.............
The pranks led to him being hanged.
They knew how to have fun back then.
“Kindergarten Cop - Stop whining! You kids are soft! You lack discipline!”
https://youtu.be/VXbS1QWQPUo?si=jz9Xbq-08EY-HOPh
$2600 for a bicycle???
If I pay that much for a bike, it better have a 500cc engine on it!...............
Here’s a fun one. The Finns are weird:
“On Christmas Eve in Finland, Santa Claus is unearthed in an archaeological dig. Soon after, children start disappearing, leading a boy and his father to capture Santa and, with the help of fellow hunters, they look to sell him back to the corporation that the dig. And then there’s Santa’s elves, who are determined to free their leader”
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1401143/?tref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_4_nm_4_q_rare%2520
Lifelong exposure to the Northern Lights will do that...............
They also have a short film on how mall santa clauses are captured and tamed.
In some countries, Krampus appears in the streets with St. Nicholas.
Krampus punishes the naughty children while St. Nick rewards the good ones.
LOL, as it should be...
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