Krampus

In alpine folklore, a devil-like named the Krampus roams the Austrian countryside every year on December 5 (the night before St. Nicholas’ Day), looking for misbehaving children to take away while carrying some chains, a burlap sack and a stick. The Krampus has been described as a 7-foot-tall horned devil with hooves. The Krampus is commonly portrayed with a long tongue sticking out.

The word “Krampus” comes from the old German word for claw, “krampen”. While the legend of the Krampus dates back to a pre-Christian era, it is believed that the Krampus is an ancient god that has been assimilated into the Christian devil. One tradition revolving around the satyr-like creature is that on December 5 every year, local men dressed in sheep and goat skins and hand-carved masks frighten children. The tradition continued in Austria and Hungary (where they have own localized version named the Krampusz) until the Inquisition when impersonating a devil could bring the death penalty. Despite this, the tradition continued in the more remote areas. The tradition came back in the 17th century when the devil-like creature was paired up with St. Nicholas. In modern times, the Krampus celebration on December 5 is akin to St. Patrick’s Day as a day of drinking and partying, complete with krampuslaufs (Krampus parades) in which participants dress up as the folkloric creature.

Krampus celebrations are now being celebrated in North American cities such as Philadelphia. The creature also has been featured in popular culture such as an episode of “American Dad!” and an upcoming horror film simply entitled “Krampus”.

Namahage

During the New Year Eve’s celebration in the Oga peninsula of northern Japan, people dressed up as the namahage visit the households of families in an effort to discourage children from slacking off in school and from disobeying their parents. These Namahage are traditionally portrayed by young men in demonic masks and straw garments. Despite their fearsome appearance, they are considered spirits of good fortune.

Gryla

Gryla is one of many female trolls that live in the mountains of Iceland according to legend. She is described as having unflattering features such as hooves, horns on her forehead, a long nose that is covered with warts and having 15 tails. Although the legend of Gryla dates back to pagan times, it wasn’t until the 17th century she became associated with Christmas where she emerges from her cave to snatch the naughty children from the villages below and boil them alive in a stew. She also has 13 sons named the Yule Lads that harass families throughout Iceland in the 13 days leading up to Christmas but they also leave presents in children’s shoes. She is also owner of the Yule Cat, which eats children who received no new clothing for Christmas. She also had two previous husbands but she ate them out of boredom.