"It's the most wonderful time of the year! They'll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long long ago." Scary ghost stories? Traditionally, holiday enthusiasts worldwide are decking their halls with holly and waiting in anticipation for the magical one night journey of Old St. Nick. And on Christmas Eve night, he visits the children of the world, only leaving presents for the nice. But what happens to the naughty? Some say rotten children receive nothing but hard, black lumps of coal come Christmas morning. Europe though is not so kind to their naughty children.
A familiar Christmas character that comes with eggnog and candy canes for most Bavarian countries is Krampus. Krampus exemplifies a demonic appearance with long, twisted horns, hoofed feet, and a fully covered body of matted fur. Legend has it that prior to Christmas, Krampus pays a special visit to the world's naughty children. In the dead of night he creeps quietly into their bedrooms, curls his long tongue around their tiny bodies, and tosses them firmly into his sack. He then retreats back to his dark, cold lair feasting upon the childern's flesh for his Christmas dinner.
The Krampus creature is lovingly embraced though by the people of these Germanic countries. The most popular place to have a very Krampus Christmas would be Graz, Austria. An annual parade commences each year to commemorate this evil, beloved figure. The flood gates of hell explode onto the snowy, Graz streets, unleashing the gruesome demons that harbor within its fiery pits. These Austrian men dress in lavish costumes whipping rusty chains and taunting parade spectators, giving renewed meaning to the phrase "hell on earth."
Should you find yourself traveling around Europe this holiday season, stop into Graz, Austria and treat yourself to a true "nightmare before Christmas!" For more information on Krampus or to view the famous parade please visit Austria's Krampus Parade. Merry Krampus!
And remember travelers... you never know where you will be swept off to!
Comments