"Winter is a time for glowing trees, crispy latkes, and burning candles. But did you know that for some people, it’s a time for commanding logs to defecate, beard-growing competitions, and eating KFC? From Hans Trapp the cannibal, to roller skating over to morning mass, dive into this article for wacky holiday traditions from around the world." -- Maia Cavagnolo, 7th Grade
Winter is a time for glowing trees, crispy latkes, and burning candles. But did you know that for some people, it’s a time for commanding logs to defecate, beard-growing competitions, and eating KFC? From Hans Trapp the cannibal, to roller skating over to morning mass, dive into this article for wacky holiday traditions from around the world.
Our first wacky winter holiday myth is Krampus, celebrated in the US, parts of Europe, Bulgaria, and Slovenia. Many people know about this long-tongued, half-goat demon, who is often thought of as Santa Claus’ bad side, or evil sidekick. The word “Krampus” originates from German krampen, meaning “claw.” In fact, the legend is believed to have originated from 12th century Germany. And he is all kinds of scary; he carries around a large sack to throw the especially naughty children in, and a birch whip to thwack people with. Not only that, but he also has chains he carries around, which creates ominous clanking sounds all throughout the night. All in all, you’re going to want to stay away from Santa’s evil helper.
Speaking of evil Santa helpers, let’s talk about Père Fouettard. “He and his wife kidnapped, robbed and killed wealthy children, then carved up their bodies and hid them in salting barrels,” writes J Oliver Conroy in their article. Once Saint Nicholas discovered their crime, he restored the children back to full health. Conroy continued, “As punishment, he forced Père Fouettard into bondage as his eternal cannibal manservant. He follows St Nick around, dealing with the problem children.” What does that imply? Probably that Père eats the “problem children…” The myth is mostly told in France, with Père Fouettard literally translating to “Father Whipper,” in French.
“In the United States, we associate Christmas with ham or figgy pudding, but in Japan, it’s all about Kentucky Fried Chicken,” says Dyon Lyons in an article they wrote. Due to a marketing stunt pulled by KFC in the 1970’s, about 3.5 million Japanese families eat KFC for Christmas Eve. Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii, or Kentucky for Christmas, is so popular that “many customers pre-order their dinners — which include fried chicken, cake and champagne — months in advance,” Lyons states. Who knew that KFC would be such a hit in Japan? Takeshi “Shin” Okawara, of course. Okawara is the owner of the first permanent Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Nagoya. After a trial run at the 1970 world fair in Osaka, it opened on July 4th.
Our first wacky winter holiday myth is Krampus, celebrated in the US, parts of Europe, Bulgaria, and Slovenia. Many people know about this long-tongued, half-goat demon, who is often thought of as Santa Claus’ bad side, or evil sidekick. The word “Krampus” originates from German krampen, meaning “claw.” In fact, the legend is believed to have originated from 12th century Germany. And he is all kinds of scary; he carries around a large sack to throw the especially naughty children in, and a birch whip to thwack people with. Not only that, but he also has chains he carries around, which creates ominous clanking sounds all throughout the night. All in all, you’re going to want to stay away from Santa’s evil helper.
Speaking of evil Santa helpers, let’s talk about Père Fouettard. “He and his wife kidnapped, robbed and killed wealthy children, then carved up their bodies and hid them in salting barrels,” writes J Oliver Conroy in their article. Once Saint Nicholas discovered their crime, he restored the children back to full health. Conroy continued, “As punishment, he forced Père Fouettard into bondage as his eternal cannibal manservant. He follows St Nick around, dealing with the problem children.” What does that imply? Probably that Père eats the “problem children…” The myth is mostly told in France, with Père Fouettard literally translating to “Father Whipper,” in French.
“In the United States, we associate Christmas with ham or figgy pudding, but in Japan, it’s all about Kentucky Fried Chicken,” says Dyon Lyons in an article they wrote. Due to a marketing stunt pulled by KFC in the 1970’s, about 3.5 million Japanese families eat KFC for Christmas Eve. Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii, or Kentucky for Christmas, is so popular that “many customers pre-order their dinners — which include fried chicken, cake and champagne — months in advance,” Lyons states. Who knew that KFC would be such a hit in Japan? Takeshi “Shin” Okawara, of course. Okawara is the owner of the first permanent Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Nagoya. After a trial run at the 1970 world fair in Osaka, it opened on July 4th.
Our next tradition takes us to the Nordic Countries, with temperatures getting as cold as 28 F. With somewhere as cold as that, you’ll be surprised at the tradition they have here. “Nordic countries are especially known for their short days and low temperature during winter months, so their residents have discovered innovative ways to adapt to the outdoors—whatever the season. [Parents] find that the crisp, fresh air lulls their little ones to sleep much more easily [and] ignites their appetites,” explains an article written by Laura Kiniri. Yes, many parents have their children nap outside. Kiniri even says that “one Finnish study noted that parents found an acceptable temperature range for some solid napping is between -16 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit.” It’s amazing how different people adapt to their environments.
Now, onto one of the more creepy myths, Hans Trapp. In Alsace, a place in France where this myth originated, the legend goes that “Hans Trapp was a local man renowned for his greed and unscrupulousness,” Conroy writes. He lost all of his wealth and power by making a deal with the devil. Conroy continues, “He took to roaming the countryside disguised as a scarecrow. At some point, Hans Trapp became consumed with the idea of tasting human flesh.” We’re already off to a scary start… Hans Trapp tricked a shepherd boy and killed him, then roasted him. As Conroy explains, “God – finally feeling that things had gone too far – struck him with lightning.” But Hans Trapp still returns sometimes during the winter holidays, still trying to get his first bite of tasty children’s flesh.
Now, onto one of the more creepy myths, Hans Trapp. In Alsace, a place in France where this myth originated, the legend goes that “Hans Trapp was a local man renowned for his greed and unscrupulousness,” Conroy writes. He lost all of his wealth and power by making a deal with the devil. Conroy continues, “He took to roaming the countryside disguised as a scarecrow. At some point, Hans Trapp became consumed with the idea of tasting human flesh.” We’re already off to a scary start… Hans Trapp tricked a shepherd boy and killed him, then roasted him. As Conroy explains, “God – finally feeling that things had gone too far – struck him with lightning.” But Hans Trapp still returns sometimes during the winter holidays, still trying to get his first bite of tasty children’s flesh.
“It’s a long-running holiday tradition for the entire city of Caracas to roller skate to early morning mass on Christmas Day,” Lyons says. The capital city of Venezuela gets on roller skates, and glides to morning mass, which is a Christian way of remembering Jesus. But that’s only one part of the roller skating tradition. “The night before, kids will tie one end of a string to their big toe and hang the other end out of their bedroom window, so passing roller skaters can give the string a friendly tug on their way to mass the next morning,” Lyons continues to explain. No one really knows how or when this tradition started, but many people like to believe that it’s the tropical city of Caracas’ version of sledding.
Next up, we have another less-spooky one, originating from Winnipeg as a way to celebrate their French heritage, and their past involvement in fur trading. “Festival du Voyageur [is] a 10-day celebration that began in 1969,” Kiniri describes in their article. “The festival’s beard-growing competition is one of its longest-running and most beloved events, with all lengths, styles, and shapes welcome,” finishes Kiniri. Yes! The people of Winnipeg have beard growing contests, with the categories ranging from clean-shaven to most innovative. Check out this link for more categories and pictures of the wonderful beards people have grown.
Tió de Nadal is our next tradition. Roughly translating to Christmas log, the holiday originates in the Spanish region of Catalonia. Tió de Nadal is believed to stem from pagan practices, but is now celebrated in Catalonia, Majorca (Nadaler), and Occitania. Lyons explains that “[A] hollowed-out log is given a face, legs and a little red hat. Starting December 8th, families “feed” the log every night by filling it with presents and candy.” In addition, they drape a nice blanket over the log, to make sure that it stays comfy and warm. On Christmas Eve, the log is placed in the (unlit) fireplace, and members of the family take turns bashing it with a stick, commanding it to defecate out the presents and candy, while singing traditional songs,” Lyon continues.
And here comes our last tradition, a wacky one from Nativity, Barcelona. “Anyone looking closely at the large Nativity scenes throughout Barcelona might be surprised to see an unusual figure, one typically hidden away in a corner with his pants down and a pile of poop behind him,” Kiniri says. Known as El Caganer, translated to “the crapper,” this fellow has “been a part of the city’s Bethelem-inspired displays since at least the early 18th century,” Kiniri finishes. With origins unknown, people like to hypothesize what it symbolizes. Kiniri’s article explains that “some people believe he’s there to fertilize the earth, others that the defecating figure represents good luck, or perhaps it’s the fact that we’re never entirely prepared for what’s to come.”
Next up, we have another less-spooky one, originating from Winnipeg as a way to celebrate their French heritage, and their past involvement in fur trading. “Festival du Voyageur [is] a 10-day celebration that began in 1969,” Kiniri describes in their article. “The festival’s beard-growing competition is one of its longest-running and most beloved events, with all lengths, styles, and shapes welcome,” finishes Kiniri. Yes! The people of Winnipeg have beard growing contests, with the categories ranging from clean-shaven to most innovative. Check out this link for more categories and pictures of the wonderful beards people have grown.
Tió de Nadal is our next tradition. Roughly translating to Christmas log, the holiday originates in the Spanish region of Catalonia. Tió de Nadal is believed to stem from pagan practices, but is now celebrated in Catalonia, Majorca (Nadaler), and Occitania. Lyons explains that “[A] hollowed-out log is given a face, legs and a little red hat. Starting December 8th, families “feed” the log every night by filling it with presents and candy.” In addition, they drape a nice blanket over the log, to make sure that it stays comfy and warm. On Christmas Eve, the log is placed in the (unlit) fireplace, and members of the family take turns bashing it with a stick, commanding it to defecate out the presents and candy, while singing traditional songs,” Lyon continues.
And here comes our last tradition, a wacky one from Nativity, Barcelona. “Anyone looking closely at the large Nativity scenes throughout Barcelona might be surprised to see an unusual figure, one typically hidden away in a corner with his pants down and a pile of poop behind him,” Kiniri says. Known as El Caganer, translated to “the crapper,” this fellow has “been a part of the city’s Bethelem-inspired displays since at least the early 18th century,” Kiniri finishes. With origins unknown, people like to hypothesize what it symbolizes. Kiniri’s article explains that “some people believe he’s there to fertilize the earth, others that the defecating figure represents good luck, or perhaps it’s the fact that we’re never entirely prepared for what’s to come.”
So, the next time you light the menorah or decorate the tree, remember these traditions. Nothing spices up a family dinner like a maniacal, struck-by-lightning cannibal!