KRAMPUS, anyone?

[Airspeed]

Last month, I read a book by Brom, about Krampus.
Interested to know how many of our members grew up with this European legend.

[robbie]

I wasn't familiar with that beasty Mike, until I watched a Christmas episode of "Murdoch mysteries" on Monday evening, very popular series over here, so you live and learn!.

Robbie

[Paul K]

Never heard of it, Mike.

[Airspeed]

Never heard of it, Mike.

According to the Brom book:
He is/was a Pagan god.
He helped celebrate the Yule, creation of the new year and hope for the future.
Reputedly punished those who had been naughty, left gifts for the good ones.
Partied hard and asked humans to appreciate life.
There are many folks who still dress up as Krampus.
Particularly the old photos of people in costume are pretty scary, but then, so are some old Santa pictures!

The origin according to many web references, was Germanic. He was a character designed to scare the wits out of kids, to make them behave.
Much like my Mother being told by her Mother that the devil sat behind the curtain at the top of the stairs, and would jump out and take her away if she misbehaved.
Ah, the "good old days"
Happy Yule Everyone!