It’s that time of year again when many of us start shopping for presents and playing our favorite Christmas songs.
But while most people set up nativity scenes and Santa Claus decorations for their little ones during the holiday, others wear terrifying costumes in celebration of a Christmas demon.
Yes, you read that right.
In European countries like Germany and Austria, thousands of people gather together for pre-Christian Krampus festivals and parades between November and December. However, the theme of these events isn’t exactly good will toward mankind — it’s more about scaring as much of the crowd as possible, especially if they happen to be children.
In Austro-Bavarian Alpine folklore, Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon figure who is basically the opposite of Saint Nicholas.
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During the Christmas season, Krampus is said to accompany Santa as he travels between houses. But while Saint Nick rewards good children with presents, Krampus punishes the naughty ones in disturbing ways.
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Read More: This Is Everything You Need To Know About Krampus, The Demonic Santa Claus
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