Merry Christmas . Merry Christmas everybody , even people that don't celebrate Christmas . Merry Christmas , I hope you have a nice day , even if it's not Christmasy . Yeah , we're just going to do a very quick Christmasy episode so that everyone can get on with their Christmas Day .
I am going to tell you a little tale about the darker side of Christmas , and that is the Krampus . Well , the Krampus is a mythical creature , apparently , but who knows , maybe not , maybe not . It might be real , and he originates from Alpine folklore .
Particularly in Austria , germany and other parts of Central Europe , krampus is often described as a horned anthropomorphic figure with a demonic appearance . The folklore surrounding the Krampus is deeply rooted in pagan traditions and has been passed down through generations .
According to the legend , the Krampus is a companion of St Nicholas , who visits children on the night of December 5th , known as Krampus Night . While St Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with gifts and treats , the Krampus punishes those who have been naughty or misbehaved throughout the year . Well , the 5th of December has gone and we're all right , aren't we ?
Well , I think I've been punished enough this year . That's true . Actually , you visited me last year . Yeah , exactly , you've had a couple of years of severe punishment . The Krampus is said to carry a bundle of birch branches or a whip , which it uses to ? Oh , yeah , yeah , which it uses to .
No , I was going to say punish , but I mean it uses to swat or beat misbehaving children , sorry , misbehaving children . In some versions of folklore , it is believed that the Krampus would stuff naughty children into a sack and take them away to his lair . Oh gosh , this serves as a warning to children to behave and be respectful . That's terrifying , isn't it ?
Because that's one of those things that you go . You need to be good , because the Krampus will come . The Krampus will come and get you and he takes little children and then takes them away . That's terrifying . He takes them to his lair , which is hideous .
During Krampus night , people dress up as the Krampus , wearing elaborate costumes , with masks and fur , and they roam the streets searching for children and adults alike . What's that thing out of the lion , the witch and the wardrobe ? What feels that Narnia ? And it's got the half goat , mr Tumnus , mr Tumnus , that's what I'm picturing in my head .
Is that kind of what the Krampus looks like ? Yeah , but more demonic , yeah , more like the sort of devil look . So people dress up like him , they wear fur and all that , and then they go around the streets looking for children To like , I suppose , freak them out .
This tradition has become increasingly popular in recent years , with Krampus parades and festivals being held in various parts of Europe and even some parts of the United States , so a lot of our listeners are in the United States . Have you attended or do you know of , a Krampus parade or festival ? Do you dress up as the Krampus and look for children to steal ?
The origins of the Krampus can be traced back to pre-Christian times , when pagan rituals and beliefs were prevalent . It is believed that the figure of the Krampus represents dark side of winter and it embodies the fears and anxieties associated with harsh winter months .
The Krampus is often associated with other mythical creatures , such as Perchton , who are believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck . So I mean , they sound nice . I wouldn't mind a visit from a Perchton . I've never heard of them and that's probably why I've got no good fortune . Maybe there's a Perchton on its way to you , right , this very season .
In recent years , the Krampus has gained international recognition and become more popular in popular culture , appearing in movies , books and even video games . The folklore of the Krampus continues to captivate people's imaginations , serving as a reminder of the consequences of misbehaviour and the importance of being good . The end Everyone be good .
Yeah , who doesn't even come round on Christmas . It comes down on the 5th of December . Yeah , he's getting in there early . He's like I'm not even giving St Nick a chance to give you the benefit of the day . I'll give you presents . I'm going to pop you in my sack and take you away . Goodness , 5th of December , I'd love to know who created that .
That's come from one person . Yeah , that story of a ? It's weird , isn't it ? Yeah , I remember when we were little , we used to be like me and my sister and our friends . We used to be like obsessed with the thought of werewolves , like we were always sort of thinking it must have come from somewhere .
It can't just be someone's imagination , like what someone's seen or witnessed , or that they're going to create this werewolf thing . It's weird . Yeah , that's it . All of these folklore start somewhere . Yeah , well , he's the dark side of the season , dark side of Christmas .
Yeah , be good , or the crampus will get you , or if you are very well behaved , then you haven't been stolen and your children haven't been stolen on the 5th of December . When you are listening to this on Christmas day or whenever you choose to listen to it , and you are having , or have had , a very wonderful merry Christmas .
Yes , we hope you've all had a lovely , lovely Christmas , and we also . We just wanted to say a massive thank you to all our listeners that tune in every week . We've been going almost a year now . Yeah , it'll be a year in January , won't it ? Yeah , yeah , and then we will begin season two then , because so far we've been season one for this whole year .
Oh , my God , how exciting . No , we've got so many big stories to cover . Watch out for season two , guys . Yeah , season two , I can't wait . I've got so many things that I want to get cracking with in the new year , so many stories that I think I'd love to do that , but just haven't got the time .
I'm really going to put some time in and get some of these real big stories done . If anyone's got any suggestions , anything that they want us to cover , let us know . Yeah , the Friday , the 13th Axe Murder that was a listener's suggestion . Yes , I love that , absolutely loved that one . So any suggestions you want us to cover , then whack them our way .
Yes , definitely , and don't forget to send us your puppy pictures . Yeah , I will be putting the pup dates on the pup flexed segment of Instagram and he will absolutely be having his very merry first Christmas in his new family home . Oh , bless him .
I hope you all have a lovely Christmas day , and obviously that goes for you too , pottie and your family and your new little baby boy , little Caesar , with his first Christmas . Have a lovely Christmas and Merry Christmas , everyone . Merry Christmas , everyone . Merry Christmas . I'll see you all next week . Bye , bye .