Krampus

Jackalicious brought up Krampus. What is Krampus? It sure isn't what some females experience every month.

Krampus as explained in Wikipedia is not as good as the one I found courtesy of krampus.com

"Once upon a time, Santa punished bad children as well as rewarded the good -- using his famous 'naughty or nice' list. But in recent years Mr. Claus, the American visionary who grew his local Manhattan service into a vast global franchise, seems to have forgotten his punishment duties.

In parts of Europe, where goodly Saint Nicolas bring the winter gifts, punishment continues to be of the fun -- in the form or a dark assistant, a mysterious figure known b many names: Knecht Ruprecht, Perchten, Pelznickel, Black Peter, Klaubauf, and Krampus.

(Unthinkable as it may be, Santa and the Devil descended from the same horned deity who roamed the forests of prehistoric Europe -- only later to be deemed evil and called Old Nick, Satan and Krampus.)

In Austria and the EU, Krampusnacht, Night of Krampus, is observed on the eve of St. Nicholas' Day (December 6). A cross of Halloween and Xmas, revelers honor Krampus by mumming (frightening innocents with masks and garb of devils and witches), carousing, fire-dancing and other recreations. Krampusnacht is part of the Saturnalian Revival rapidly gaining celebration in America and around the world.

Krampus devotees find inspiration in early 20th century holiday cards from Austria and nearly countries which range from comical to truly terrifying. See the cards!"

This brings to mind Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas. Jack Skellington, anyone?. I did find another website about another movie?

If you want to read more about Krampus, Clay Risen has written a pretty good article (published 12/4/2002).

Lots of interesting stuff out there. Just Google "Krampus" and have run reading and looking at pics.

You do know that Santa misspelled can become Satan .