Unusual and Fun Christmas traditions from Europe

The holidays are right around the corner, with Christmas songs already being played in stores,Christmas markets set up across Europe and decorations being put up early by several enthusiasts. Along with all the holiday cheer and excitement, there are also numerous weird and wonderful traditions that are a part of the celebrations!Many of these stories have roots in the Pagan traditions and some have evolved through time. Let’s take a look at a few of these fun and strange Christmas traditions right away.

Scary Christmas legend: Krampus/Schmutzli

You have never seen Christmas this terrifying. In Austria, on the 5^th of December, the eve of Saint Nicholas’ Day, about 1,000 people dress up as the child-kidnapping, furry devil-like creature Krampus and take part in the Klagenfurt Run.

Since the 17^th century, Krampus has been conceived as Saint Nicholas’ terrifying companion in the Alpine folklore. During the Christmas season, Krampus punishes children who have misbehaved by whipping them with branches. If you had been really bad, Krampus would snatch you in a wicker basket and take you to the underworld.

The origin of Krampus is not well known, but is thought to stretch back to pre-Christian traditions. Maurice Bruce described Krampus as connected to “the Horned God of the Witches”. Another theory suggests Krampus is the son of Hel in Norse mythology, though he also shares the characteristics of Greek mythology’s satyrs and fauns.

Here’s a glimpse of the Krampus Run in 2018:

 

In Switzerland, he is known as Schmutzli.According to a curator of religious foklore at Lucerne, “Schmutzli means an ugly character with a concealed face, and this figure appeared with a black face, red eyes and a black cap.” However, the 5th of December is celebrated a bit differently in Switzerland. In some places, Santa and (a less scary) Schmutzli walk through the snow with a donkey and bring in a lot of gifts like oranges,gingerbread and chocolate.

 

SANTA IN STYLE: Niggi Naggi

In Basel though, you can see some Santas and a Schmutzli cross the river Rhine on a boat. You can also find Santas making rounds of the city on their Harley Davidson bikes, distributing some gifts to children! In Basel, get ready to see Santas parade on bikes on 8th of December. Check out the official details here.

Well, so be good, for goodness sake…!

Iceland Christmas stories: Yule Lads

In Iceland, children are visited by thirteen mischievous Yule Lads rather than Santa or Saint Nicholas. They too had a reputation for harassing people and kidnapping since the 16^th Century. They are said to be the sons of Gryla, who eats naughty children. The Yule Lads were accompanied on their escapades by the Yule Cat, who would target lazy or naughty children and eat those who hadn’t received new clothes (only hardworking children would get new clothes).

Now the Yule Lads are far less frightening, visiting children in the lead up to Christmas to leave them sweets and gifts. At worst, naughty children get a potato.

 

Fun Christmas legends: The Caganer

The Caganer is a little figurine that appears in nativity scenes in Catalonia, Spain. And he definitely stands out, as he appears to be defecating! The Caganer or ‘El Caganer’ is believed to have entered into nativity scenes by the late 17^th or early 18^th century, during the Baroque period. The figure often appears as a peasant, tucked away in the corner of a nativity scene so that he is nowhere near the manger. Now, Caganers take many forms, including politicians, famous sportspeople and even Queen Elizabeth. Exactly why the figure was created is unknown, but it is certainly here to stay!

 

Spanish Christmas tradition: Cago tió

Just another Spanish tradition that involves mention of defecation! People place the Cago tió or Tió de Nadal, a log with four legs and a smiling face, in their home. Its rear end will be towards a fireplace if the family has one. Throughout December, the log is cared for and ‘fed’ so that on Christmas day, children can hit the log with a stick and order it to poop gifts through a song.

 

 

Strange Christmas stories: Spider Web Christmas Trees

In  Ukraine, many people decorate their Christmas tree with artificial spider’s web and perhaps hide a fake spider in the branches. This tradition arose from the legend of a poor widow who was granted good fortune by spiders on Christmas. The widow and her children were too poor to decorate their Christmas tree, but when they went to bed, a spider spun its web around the branches. In the morning, when the sunlight hit the web, it turned to gold and silver.

Christmas legends: Norwegian Witches

According to Norwegian folklore, Christmas Eve is a time when witches will be around searching for a good broom to ride. Apparently, they are unable to walk on the ground and must steal a broom on this day to fly!For this reason, all brooms are hidden. Men might also go outside to shoot their guns in the air and frighten witches away. (Poor witches and silly muggles, I say in my head! )

So, what do you think of these traditions? Do you know of any other strange tales? Do let me know!

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