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Christmas is the best time of the year, and the celebrations of the festival everywhere are different. However, in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Romania, the hideous beast Krampus accompanies Saint Nicholas and punishes naughty children on the streets during Christmas.
During this time of the year, people across the globe indulge in the celebrations of Christmas, but on the contrary, Krampus Christmas is considered the most terrifying time of the year.
Christmas in the Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, the Christmas Markets have just opened and are teeming with locals and tourists. The streets are decorated with twinkling lights, and vendors are selling trinkets, Svarak, treats and a mouth-watering red wine.
But on this particular evening, there is a strange feeling in the night air. On the gothic streets of Prague, there is an eerie kind of darkness. Sometimes, one can hear children screaming in fear from a distance.
Notably, a shadowy creature appears from behind the glowing Christmas tree in the town square. The children’s screams grow louder as they get closer. As one gets closer, a monstrous figure comes into focus, the kind that only one’s worst nightmares could create.
About beast-man
The monstrous figure looks like an insane, furry beast-man with blood-thirsty eyes. He has claw-like fingers and a devilish head with huge, goat-like horns that curl around his head. Its blood-soaked tongue is oddly elongated, and it is covered in skulls and animal skin.
People may hear the rhythmic sound of his cowbell ringing louder as he menacingly moves towards children. This is not very Christmasy; however, it’s dark and demonic.
The darkness’ name is Krampus. This sinister creature wanders on the street of Central Europe once a year on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day, known as Mikulas Day in Czechia.
Some call it twisted and sadistic, while others are engrossed by the custom and consider their children being startled by the beast. ‘
Christmas with Krampus
As a part of the tradition, when a child receives a gift from St Nicholas, he is given a golden branch to represent his good deeds throughout the year; however, if the child has misbehaved, Krampus will take the gifts for himself and leave only a silver branch which represents the child’s bad acts.
He beats them and drags them off in a sack to only he knows where.
This tradition involves people dressing up as devils and running alongside others through the streets. They wear giant horns, fur costumes and carved wooden masks.
The early show is suitable for families with children aged 3-10 years old. Everyone who visits can witness 30 Krampus devils and angels.
Notably, the evening show is considered for adults and children over ten years of age. The organizers of the event do not recommend it for anyone younger, even within the well-intentioned education of naughty children.
In addition, Krampus is related to a traditional figure of early Christian times who would show up to unleash the forces of winter on the land.
