Allegedly experiencing a bit of a revival in popularity "as a reaction against a holiday that has become increasingly anodyne, child-centric and commercialised, and [in] an attempt to re-engage with a darker, pagan tradition", according to The Guardian, every Yuletide Krampus - the ancient goat-demon from Germany; the "anti-Santa" - appears armed with a rusty chain to beat naughty children and a sack to cart them off to the underworld.
There is also an annual Krampuslauf - or Krampus run - in which drunken men dressed as devils parade through the streets frightening everyone.
Krampus is apparently a traditional part of Germany's Christmas celebrations, accompanying St Nicholas on his feast-day rounds on the eve of 6th December, known as Krampusnacht.
More about Krampus
I like the idea of this demon creature. He seems most appropriate - for today marks the start of the traditional (evil) seven-day countdown to that day here at Dolores Delargo Towers. And, in a style befitting our respect for this "festering season", here's I Hate Christmas by the ever-wonderful Ren from The Ren & Stimpy Show...
Every Christmas, I am listless
Giving gifts just ain’t my bag
Sleigh bells ringing, and off key singing,
Christmas music makes me gag!
Ren & Stimpy's Crock'o'Christmas
Bah Humbug.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave a message - I value your comments!
[NB Bear with me if there is a delay - thanks to spammers I might need to approve comments]