The Krampusse

Every year (usually December 5), Krampusse accompany St. Nicholas and march through towns to reward the good and punish the idle. It is said that children are to say a little prayer and if done poorly, are put into a sack and thrown into a river. Lots of variations in the folklore...

The marching ceremony is still practiced today and features some outstanding costumes...

Krampusse march video clips (look for St. Nicholas):

Four calling Birds! Really?

Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists. And in other news the traditions, in Canada at least, came from Dickens.

Canadian Rich Little once did a production of Dickens "A Christmas Carol"