Today’s Weekly Calendar Fun Fact:
On Christmas Eve in Norway, people hide their brooms so witches and ghouls have nothing to ride on. In Japan, the traditional Christmas meal is KFC. In Spain, families feed a festive log until it defecates presents.
Christmas is celebrated the world over in bizarre and shocking ways. Norway has a tradition of hiding their brooms in safe spaces where they can not be stolen. This dates back to times when people believed that witches and all matters of evil spirits roamed about on Christmas Eve looking for brooms to ride on. In Venezuela, residents roller skate to church on Christmas Eve and then head home afterwards for a dinner of tamales.
The Austrian legend of Krampus has risen in global popularity recently but did you know that, during the first week of December, young men dress up as the beast-like demon clad with clattering chains and bells to run amok and frighten children? In Belgium, the demon figure is slightly different and reflects the spirit of an evil butcher. Legend has it that the butcher lured three boys into his shop, captured them and began to salt them for future consumption when Saint Nick intervened and saved them. This beast represents the opposite of the Santa figure and is supposed to only come for naughty children.
No matter where you go in this world, you will find a rich and, at times, bizarre backstory to a country’s Santa or Christmas rituals. Nevertheless, the ideals of love, giving and family still stand tall above all else.
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To learn EVEN MORE strange XMas rituals, check out the video below.
Strange Christmas Traditions Vid Courtesy of Destination Tips
Okay, the whole Krampus thing is pretty disturbing as it is but an evil butcher version? No thanks! Sounds like Hansel and Gretel or something.
Ha! I totally agree! Gotta love the old world traditions!