#Knecht Ruprecht

[zal-cryptid]

[alpaca-clouds]

On Santa, the Christkindle, Krampus and Frau Holle

Let me tell you Americans something – because I know that most people on this specific hellsite are in fact American, while I am not. I am European. German, to be exact, with some Asian roots, according to my mother. And a few days in a rather useless attempt to get a bit into the Holiday spirit, I watched the movie “Red One”. An American friend already noted, how he was aware that in the finale of the movie, it does not make a lot of sense to save Christmas, given not everyone celebrates Christmas around the world, and how also a couple of countries have the presents out on January, 6th, on the Epiphany. Which, yes, is true.

When I watched the movie, though, and got to the place, I messaged that friend: “By the way, do you know that Santa does in fact not bring us the presents in Germany? Or most of Europe, in fact. Oh, and also, Krampus is in fact not really the Anti-Santa or Santa’s brother or some shit, but that goes back a whole lot further than just Christianity.”

On the next day, though, I could not help it, but think about the entire thing. Because I was not quite sure whether I had some cognitive bias about Krampus – or if my gut feeling was right. And that got me down a long, long rabbit hole.

So, my dear Americans, let me regail you with Christmas stories from Europe, and why Krampus has more to do with white men being butthurt than anything else. Alright? Alright!

Christkindelein, Christkindelein

Now, I will not go too deeply into the entire Santa thing. Just know: Yes, St. Nikolaus is in fact connected to Christmas traditions all over Europe. However, in quite a lot of European countries, like in Germany, St. Nikolaus only comes on December 6th, where he will bring a bit of chocolate, and maybe some socks. No big presents. Those are for Christmas.

So, why does Nikolaus come on December 6th? Well, this has to do with Saints’ Days in the Catholic calendar. Basically: Every saint in the Catholic canon has a day dedicated to them. And yes, we have more than 365 saints, so yes, several saints will usually share a day. St. Nikolaus, the Turkish bishop, has his day on December 6th, hence this is the day when someone dressed as a somewhat more historical St. Nikolaus will appear in German kindergardens and schools. And also in some other countries. (Not all countries celebrate this.) That will usually look something like this.

Now, Germany will have the presents on Christmas Eve. Not on the morning of December 25th, but the tradition was originally for the family to go to Christmas (like a literal mas) on the evening of December 24th, and then come home for a good feast and presents, because the presents had been “delivered” while the family was in the church. But no, they were not delivered by St. Nick, but by the Christkind, the Christ Child. And generally speaking in most of the Catholic areas of Europe it tends to be either the Christ Child who delivers the presents, or the Magi – in those areas of Europe where the presents get to the kids on Epiphany.

And yes, there are absolutely a lot of families in Europe today, who have not a strong religious tradition, and hence just use Santa, because American Imperialism is a thing, and most movies the kids are aware off use Santa. After all those families will usually not go to Church for the literal Christmas and… Well, what difference does it make.

However, I should not that it is generally not a thing over here – even in those families that were taken in by American Imperialism – to put out cookies and milk for Santa. That very much is an American thing. Please, dear Americans, just do not assume that something that is a traditions with you folks gets done the same everywhere on the world. Because in fact, very few things Americans celebrate are celebrated the same way anywhere else (outside of Canada, I guess).

But this is actually the less interesting part of this little essay.

No, I actually wanted to talk with you about Krampus.

Krampus is not Santa’s Brother

Now I will tell you something, that has surprised all my American friends: I never heard of Krampus until I was 18. Never once was I aware that Krampus was a thing that existed, despite me being from Germany. Shocking, right?

Because here is the thing: Krampus does not originate in Germany, but in Austria. And specifically the Krampus tradition originates in Styria. Which once more is the moment I will remind my dear Castlevania fans that: Yes, indeed. Styria is a real place. It is a region within Austria. And to be exact it is the region in Europe that was Christianized the latest. (Please mind: Yes, there were other region that were not-majority Christian later, but those got Christianized before, but were taken over by Muslims afterwards. Meanwhile Styria was only Christianized majorly in the 12th century. Mainly because it is an area that is so high up in the mountains, that pretty much everyone until then who tried to forcefully Christianize failed.)

And when I was 18, I moved in with my then boyfriend, who lived in Leoben in Styria. So that year was the first time, that I ever heard of Krampus, because there was a lot of Krampus related stuff happening in Styria. Mainly there was a Krampuslauf pretty much everywhere on December 5th, so in the night before December 6th, before St. Nikolaus came. And yes, as you might be aware, the story about Krampus is usually about how he will take the naughty children and kidnap and eat them in some way or form.

In Austria meanwhile this looks like this: A whole lot of men dress up with creepy masks, run through the streets, and hit people with whips. A very Castlevania holiday indeed. Yes, usually some bullshit happens, because of people are anonymous some bullshit always happens, right?

And for my whole life I have always wondered: While I was living in Austria I noticed a whole lot more references to Krampus in American media. I chucked it up to be a cognitive bias. You know, when you learn about a new word for example, you notice it a lot more being used. So I shrugged and went on with my life, not really thinking about this again. Until that conversation a couple of days ago. And this time… This time I could not help myself. Because I was like: “I am pretty sure the Krampus tradition is older than the St. Nikolaus tradition in that area. So it is probably not a Christian thing.” But I also kept thinking: “Is it though?” Mainly, because during this years @fluff-cember I also wrote a story about Perchten, and I could not help but notice one thing: Krampus has an awful lot of similarity to Perchten.

Mother Holde and Perchten

Hey, you. Americans specifically. Do you know the story of Frau Holle? Because while I know you might probably not be familiar with a lot of European folklore, there is a good chance you at least will know the fairytale by the Brothers Grimm.

If you don’t, don’t worry. I will give you the short rundown. (Mind you, like with all fairlytales, there are about 10 different versions of this story going around. Because those were oral stories first.)

The short version however is like this.

A miller looses his wife and marries anew. And his new wife has a daughter from a previous marriage. Now they have two daughters named Marie. And like it goes in those fairytales, the stepmother treats the Marie from the old marriage very poorly, especially after the father dies. However, this Marie is a diligent child. She will do all her chores without complaining. And one day she is send to spin yarn at the local well. However, her spindle falls into the well – and when she tries to fetch it, she falls into it as well. However, instead of being stuck in the well, it turns out she gets basically isekai’d into another realm, where an old woman meets her, introducing herself as Frau Holle. And she offers this Marie to help her with her chores, and if Marie does so, she will be rewarded. Marie, being the diligent child, obviously agrees. And she does the chores, that unbeknownst to her actually allow the season on earth to move on properly. Part of it is to beat out the pillows and blankets, making it snow on the world. And after a while, Frau Holle is very impressed with her, and showers her in gold, before sending her back home. Now, the stepmother finds this child now rich and golden, and asks her where she got all that gold. And Marie, being the diligent child, tells her. So the stepmother tells her own daughter to do the same. So this daughter will also spin by the well, drop her spindle, fall in and get isekai’d. And indeed. It happens. However, this Marie is lazy and not at all diligent. And after a while Frau Holle has enough with her, and instead of with gold, she showers this Marie in pitch and sends her back.

And then there is this moral about being a diligent girl and diligence being rewarded and stuff.

However, Frau Holle actually goes far, far back into German, and especially alpine mythology to the goddess Holde, Berchte, or Perchten.

Now, we have a pretty good idea from mythological research, that Berchte (to be translated as “the bright one”) was probably very related to Frigg from Norse mythology, just with some adjustments given that this was a goddess who was prayed to in the alps, rather than Scandinavia – and mythology will always shift to reflect the area people live in.

But yes, Berchte was – from all we can reconstruct – always linked to spinning, and to the midwinter holidays. After all, most cultures did celebrate the solstices in some way or form. And it seems that indeed Berchte was connected to bringing gifts during the solstice, but also with punishing lazy and naughty children and servants. While we do have little written evidence for this in the pre-Christian culture (because they wrote down very little), we know that Berchte was said to roam around during the Christmas holidays, after these areas got Christanized.

And while Berchte would both appaear as a pretty young woman, and a motherly old woman, there seemed at some point a shift to happen. And when she came to punish those who had been lazy or naughty, she would appear as a monsterous woman with goat horns, who more commonly was called Perchten. (Still same word root though.) It is not quite clear whether Perchten at that point already was a different being from Berchte – or just a slightly varied name for a different incarnation. But however it happened: Over the next few centuries the Berchte worship died out, but Perchten survived.

Perchten and the Angry White Men

Now, here comes the interesting bit. Because we have written evidence of Perchten going as far back as the 12th century. And we know that even after Christianization of these area, Perchten stayed around. And in fact, it became a tradition for the women to dress up as Perchten during the Christmas celebrations (which back in the day lasted for 12 days, as you might know) and play tricks on everyone, who they perceived to have been naughty.

And… Well, here is the thing. We do not know how it happened. But one of the current theories is, that simply some men were like: “Why do women get to have all the fun?!” And kinda wanted to make a male pendent for Perchten. Which ended up being Krampus.

Now, please consider two things: 1) There is a theory too, that Krampus might have been influenced by Ottoman and Balkan mythology, though this connection is kinda hard to source, though it would explain the origins of the name. 2) In northern areas of the Germanic people, St. Nikolaus was already celebrated and had a companion, who was indeed punishing the naughty kids. Servant Rupert (Knecht Ruprecht). However, this companion was not monstrous like Krampus, but just a guy in a servant’s uniform and with a whip made of twigs. Simple as that. It still might have been an influence.

One way or another: Ethnologists are very, very certain that Krampus did come to be as a reaction to Perchten and the Perchtenläufe, which also explains the visual correlations between Krampus and Perchten.

The first written sources we have for Krampus showing up only go back to the mid-17th century, but historians assume that this tradition started in the late-16th century. But the exact details are fairly hard to pin down.

It turns out, though, that my very subjective experience of not noticing a whole lot of Krampus stuff earlier was very correct. Because… this tradition kinda got lost mostly during the 19th century. Like, sure, some places still had a Krampuslauf of some sort, and had Krampus come with St. Nikolaus during the celebrations, but for several reasons (one of them being that the Krampus just appeared too pagan) the tradition mostly got lost for a long, long while.

White People and their Lost Culture

And this brings me back to me never ever hearing anything about Krampus until I moved to Austria about 15 years ago. Because when I was in Austria, everyone told me that, yeah, sure, this Krampus thing is totally an old tradition. And heck, many of them might not even have meant to lie to me, given they were themselves fairly young. But indeed, the widespread comeback of the Krampuslauf actually only started in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Again, no, it was never a fully dead tradition, but it had petered off over the centuries and only was a thing in very few places until Styria came into the problem, that a lot of western European nations generally have to struggle with: “Well, Christianity got pushed onto us during the middle ages, and we actually do not fucking know a whole lot about our culture before Christianity, do we now? So if I do no longer align with Christianity, what the heck is my culture?” This need to have a culture of their own clearly also was influenced by the influx of immigrants and the racist reflex to be like: “Hey, this is our culture” in comparison.

And so… someone stumbled across the entire Krampus thing and was like: “Welp, this certainly does feel kinda pagan, doesn’t it?” And so Krampus was brought back, and within a couple of years became a tradition pretty much every place in Styria participated in, before it even spread to other parts of Austria.

Which brings me back to being a little alpaca standing in Austria and being like: “Huh, I never heard of it.” And then seeing horror movies themed around Krampus spring up, tilt my head and wonder: “Wait, was this always a thing?”

The answer is: Nope. Nope, it wasn’t! American references to Krampus in media go only back until 2004, and actually the big push to include Krampus in western media only happened in the early 2010s. So no, it was actually no subconscious bias on my side. It was true. Krampus was actually fairly new and the reason I never noticed this before was, that it simply had not been a thing for very long, when I came to Austria – and that indeed American media only started to broadly include Krampus in the early 2010s.

Which brings me back to the most important thing this rabbit hole has taught me: It was actually not my subconscious cognitive bias! HOORAY!

So, what about St. Nikolaus?

Let me finish with this: St. Nikolaus has been a figure who has brought treats and presents to children and servants (I cannot stress the later part enough) at least since the 11th century, probably already earlier. The historical figure that inspired this tradition goes back to the 4th century, obviously, and the way St. Nikolaus has given out presents in Europe for the most part was related to the legend around the historical figure. And yes, from all we know, the tradition of giving St. Nikolaus some sort of other person who accompanies him and at times is responsible for punishing the evil kids and servants might go back at least until the 12th century. Those servants of St. Nick have had a whole lot of names in a whole lot of different areas, and talking about them all would let me write at least a small novella here.

And in a way, I am somewhat sad, that the one of the figures who somehow managed to get picked up by Americans is actually Krampus – and how very much divorced from the cultural context he originated it became.

I guess in some way it is fitting, given that of course the American version of St. Nikolaus is also very much divorced from any cultural context he once had. It is simply the thing American culture does: Divorcing things from their cultural context. I mean, I am gonna be mean here, but I am gonna bet that I know more about the bible than pretty much 95% of American Christians, given how Christianity came ot the US and is taught there to this day. Again: Fully divorced from the cultural context.

And still, I wish it would not be that way. It would at least make Holiday movies a whole lot more interesting. Be it the ones about Santa dealing with Santa actually being a brown man, or the ones about Krampus dealing with my horny boy originating from men wanting to have a horned representation as well, while running around the alps during the winter months.

[frosted-night]

Did you know North has a canonical son?

Coming from the legends of Germany, he is called Knecht Ruprecht. Knecht, meaning Servant or farmhand. His other aliases are:

"Hans Ruprecht, Rumpknecht, but is also referred to as De hêle Christ ("The Holy Christ"), while in Mecklenburg he was called Rû Clås (Rough Nicholas)."

If you see any depictions of him resembling Krampus, those aren't true to life. He moreso resembles a dark bearded man or looking like a raggid St Nicholas.

Like Krampus, he was a foil to St Nicholas, meant to punish naughty children with his switches. However, he is much milder than Krampus. His legends goes as such.

"According to tradition, Knecht Ruprecht asks children whether they can pray. If they can, they receive apples, nuts and gingerbread. If they cannot, he hits the children with his bag of ashes. In other versions of the story, Knecht Ruprecht gives naughty children gifts such as lumps of coal, sticks, and stones, while well-behaving children receive sweets from Saint Nicholas. He is also reported to give naughty children a switch (stick) in their shoes for their parents to hit them with, instead of sweets, fruit and nuts, in the German tradition."

So he certainly doesnt take too much after Krampus, but whats his backstory?

One variant is that he was a simple farmhand who rose to the occasion to shadow St.Nicholas. my favorite is the foundling telling.

Foundlings were infants or children who were abandoned by their biological parents to either die or be found by another.

St.Nicholas found a poor baby boy alone in the woods of Germany and took him in as his own son. An accident involving horses caused Ruprecht to walk with a limp, but Nicholas fashioned him a cane to help him walk.

In the rotgoc-verse, its even more gut wrenching if you translate this with North instead. North, who grew up with brigands and was abandoned much like Ruprecht, finds an abandoned child who would surely freeze to death. Him cradling the small infant, choking up a little as the boy falls asleep in Norths warm arms.

He'd raise Ruprecht with pride, teaching him everything about the wonders of the world and how his job worked. The accident that caused Ruprecht's limp would wound North, feeling like a failure. Then he'd carve Ruprecht's cane by hand, enchanting it to grow with his son.

The guardians at first would be shocked to see North adopted a child, but it would make sense the longer they watch North interact with Ruprecht. North definitely had that baby in a sling on his chest. The proudest papa on the North Pole. (He just had to figure out how to tell Krampus...)

[marine-indie-gal]

Thought of wanting to introduce My Other Version of Hel (One of the Children of Loki & Even the Norse Death Goddess) in my Adaptation of Rudolph.

Basically Christopher visiting the Temple of the Norse Gods after stealing a Magic Book does he ask one of the Gods for the sake of his Mercy for his Sins.

Only then, does one of the Aesir/Vanir Gods hear his Pray by punishing Him into the Monster of what Children truly see in Him, thus becoming "Krampus".

Hel (c) Norse Mythology

Krampus/Knecht Ruprecht (c) Christmas Folklore Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (c) Robert L. May

[smashorpassgilf]

Knecht Ruprecht!!! Since we're doing Santa's Evil Helpers too

[unerhoerkt]

Nikolaus und Knecht Ruprecht gibt es nicht - das weiß Leo seit seiner Kindheit schon. Dass die beiden aber wieder auftauchen, als er erwachsen wird, ist ihm ein Rätsel, ebenso wie die Tatsache, dass anscheinend nur er sie sehen kann.

Dass er jedes Jahr wieder nur die Rute von Knecht Ruprecht bekommt, versteht Leo nicht wirklich - beschweren möchte er sich aber auch nicht darüber. Weder über die Weidenrute noch dessen Schwanz, der seinen Hintern zum angenehmen Brennen bringt.

Prompt: Leo und Knecht Ruprechts jährlicher Besuch

[tuxedomoon-64]

St.Nikolaus

[lynnaquinn]

Omgs I had an amazing Frostgrave idea!

I kinda want a team based on Santa and Friends, here me out:

I'd probably run Santa as a Summoner so I can have easy access to Summon Demon (and the 10th level version from Forgotten Pacts that lets you get a permanent demon) to be able to have Krampus or Belsnikle and give him Animal Companion (and eventually build into Beastcraft from Beast Pits) to be able to have Reindeer/Mari Lywd/Yule Cat as well as give him the Raise Zombie spell so I can run Hans Trapp.

Then for his Apprentice, either have Frau Perchta or Knecht Ruprecht as the Apprentice and the other as a Soldier of some kind (Monk or Mystic Warrior probably.)

Have the Giant Blood soldiers from Blood Legacy be used to represent a Yule Lad or two.

The Rogues and Thugs then could all be Kobolds and/or Christmas Elves.

Just a cute idea I might work on for next year!

[incorrectfatui]

Peruere: *writing a letter*  Peruere: Dear Santa,  I'm writing to let you know I've been naughty...  And it was worth it you fat, judgemental bastard.

[forensic420]

MW2 Task Force 141+König Hyperrealistic HC’s ✰

Ghost

-Not as reserved as you think he’d be, he’s actually very talkative. Him and Soap’s comm dialogue is more then enough evidence to show that he enjoys a good conversation and even jokes.

-Does that soldier sleep position often x . He’s a light sleeper, always ready to defend. When comfortable you can find him mumbling in his sleep, usually soft “yes”’s and “no”’s.

-Doesn’t fully understand American culture, he’s very confused by common American delicacies. “Y/N, what the fuck is a bucee’s?” He’d ask with a stressed look.

-Avid user of the word “cunt”. Top three favorite words. Also loves saying, “cheers ya slag”, he thinks and waits for scenarios so he can use it.

Gaz

-Very passionate about the military and his career. Gaz as a child would attend parades only to see the soldiers and wait at the end of the parade to meet them, his room was also filled with military toys and articles.

-His main song he listens to is Red Nation by The Game and Lil Wayne, it’s one of the few songs he downloaded on a portable music player.

-Is always around Price no matter where. You can always find him in Price’s office just chatting away and discussing documents. The two are bonded and Gaz is grateful to have an “older” and experienced father figure.

-Enjoys quiet days at the base. He likes just being able to hang out and be around his friends and team, he’d go to great lengths for his fellow soldiers.

Soap

-Soap’s accent can be super thick at times, causing the team to not understand him at times. He doesn’t attempt to correct himself most times, just continuing to ramble and goes on with the conversation.

-Is terrified of Ronald Mcdonald. “He be too happy, y’know?” He’d claim and frown. BIG fan of Grimace and the Hamburgler though, often always commenting on his love for them when the team mentions fast food.

-Secret artist. Soap’s mystery talent is he’s very gifted in drawing, he keeps his sketch pads under his mattress. He’d never show anyone but he is engrossed in sketching the team. There’s pages full of Ghost, Price, and Gaz just doing common things like sitting in a meeting or having a conversation with another team member.

-Absolutely hates doing dishes. Whenever he’s on dish duty he always complains. “A'd ower die.” He’d say and convince Gaz to do it, with the agreement of him doing Gaz’s chores for a week.

Price

-Is always rambling to Gaz or Soap about old movies he loves and makes them watch it with him. It became a weekly occurrence to find Price with the team watching some old western or military film.

-Enjoys watching documentaries about ancient civilizations, his favorite is Mesopotamia and the Shang dynasty.

-Price is always making sure his team is feeling good, often spending an equal amount of alone time with each member to talk and company them. “How’re you feeling, son?” He’d ask with a gentle but firm hand on their shoulder.

-When Soap is rambling and his accent is completely drowning a coherent sentence Price just nods and hums to him. He never comments on it, even if he doesn’t fully understand what was said.

König

-Huge fan of Rammstein. His teenage room was covered in posters of them and other bands like Helloween. Even as a full grown man he is not afraid to admit his love for Till Lindemann.

-A firm believer of Krampus and is very passionate about the subject. “Mein Gott! Don’t you know Knecht Ruprecht will get you if you’re naughty?” He’d tease to his soldiers, always backing it up by saying he knew a kid who got whipped by him.

-Has catatonic tendencies, will frequently withdrawal and get irritable. He’ll stay in his room going rigid and stays stupor. At times no Kortac member will see him, always wandering around base to try to find him. Once he snaps out of it he’ll often not remember it. “Was meinst du?” He’d ask and furrow his eyebrows, talking about a past day mission as if it were yesterday.

-As a child he was always absorbed and immersed in his mother’s snow globe collection. Gripping onto the mantle he’d watch the faux snow twirl around in the liquid. Was always afraid that somehow the globes would miraculously all fall off the mantle and shatter onto the ground.

[escapedaudios]

There's a (mostly) dead American Christmas tradition originating from rural southern Germany where a mysterious fur-clad figure known at the Belsnickel (aka Belznickel) visits your house and gives gifts to the virtuous and punishes the devilish with his birchwood whip. He's a much lesser-known folkoric Christmas figure than his German and Austrian cousins Knecht Ruprecht and Krampus, but I have a soft spot for him. He was once very popular in the Eastern United States as far north as Maine and as far south as South Carolina until Santa Claus fully took over around the 1920s. He's special to me, because he's one of the only Christmas figures that doesn't know if you've been naughty or nice, but instead plays games to test your character.

Once a year I dress up and visit a Christmas party, where the guests have to play Belsnickel's ten games. Some of the games are traditional German games, some are traditional German-American games from the 18th century, and some are my original creations. They evolve from year to year, since some games have twists and surprises that would be spoiled if revealed. You can play them too!

These are Belsnickel's Ten Games of Virtue, 2024 edition!

Game 1: Die Versuchung. Belsnickel's game of temptation.

Belsnickel arrives in the house and makes his introduction. As he does, he "accidentally" drops a treat on the floor while greeting the guests. If someone picks up the present and returns it to Belsnickel, they are rewarded by being allowed to keep the gift. If they try to steal the treat for themselves, they are whipped on the wrist and made to return the gift.

Game 2: Der Weisheitswettwerb. Belsnickel's Game of Wisdom.

Participants are invited to recite a wise proverb, quote, aphorism, or verse of religious scripture. Whoever impresses the Belsnickel the most with their wisdom gets an extra good present.

Game Three: Der Aufmerksamkeitstest.

Belsnickel's game of attention and memory. During his introduction, he taught the participants two German words. If they recite them correctly, they get a treat. If they do it incorrectly, they get whipped on the wrist.

Game Four: Die Frage der Tugend. Belsnickel's game of virtue.

Belsnickel invites the participants to tell of a time they showed great virtue since last Christmas. Belsnickel then choses the two best stories, and stops to ponder who should get the prize. If one of the two finalists recommends that their competitor should get the prize, they both get a prize. If they bicker and argue that they are the more vortuous one, they get whipped.

Game Five: Das Anschuldigungspiel. Belsnickel's Accusation Game.

In this game, participants may point out and accuse others of devilish behavior. The accused has sixty seconds to defend themselves. If they defend themselves, the accuser is whipped instead. At the end of the game, anyone who refused to make accusations is rewarded with a little treat.

Game Six: Das Lehrspiel. Teach Der Belsnickel.

Belsnickel wants to learn. He chooses a topic and everyone in the group is invited to share a compelling fact about that topic with him. The fact that fascinates him the most gets a reward!

Game Seven: Freude für das Monster. Cheer up Belsnickel

Belsnickel has some self esteem issues. He's one of the least popular Christmas figures. Cheer him up by telling him he's the best, specifically why he's better than Santa Claus and his rival Krampus. He'll reward whoever cheers him up and boosts his self esteem.

Game Eight: Bestraften oder Bestraft. Punish or Be Punished

In this game you may give up one of your gifts to have another player punished, whether or not they are guilty of anything. This only works a certain number of times though. After a random number of punishments, Belsnickel will punish you instead for targeting another participant.

Game Nine: Das Glückspiel. Belsnickel's Game of Chance.

Two relatively expensive and highly desirable treats are placed in the center of a table, and each participant is invited to wager one of their treats to participate in the game. They each split into groups of heads or tails, until everyone is eliminated expect for one finalist. The winner is offered the two treats, followed by the rest of the pile. Belsnickel then reminds them how great the starting prize was, and tells them he'd be very impressed with their virtue if the winner returned the other player's wagers to everyone else. If they return the wagers, they are praised, if they take them, their winnings come with a slap on the wrist from Belsnickel's birchwood whip.

Game Ten: Ein Samen zum Planten. Belsnckel's Seeds.

My version of Belsnickel loves pumpkins! He gives each participant a handful of pumpkin seeds to plant the following summer, with instructions to bring him a pumpkin next December. You get a great prize if you bring him a pumpkin! But beware, Belsnickel knows what cultivar of pumpkin you're growing with those seeds. If you cheat and bring him a pumpkin you didn't grow yourself, he'll know, and you'll be in big trouble!

Try playing Belsnickel's games! Also, can you guess which games are traditional, and which ones are part of my own personal tradition?

[octuscle]

I know the holly jolly fat man is supposed to be this sweet, sanitized mystical figure, I get that. But is there something you can do for a guy who finds Santa sexy? Big, round fuzzy man going around giving “gifts”, if you catch my drift.

There are indeed many different fetishes… And every demand is met somehow. So contact the Santa Escort Service. The logo looked promising.

Santa should be there in a few minutes. You have arranged to meet at a shabby motel. Not because it's cheap. Because it makes you horny. You've already undressed, your hard-on is in joyful anticipation. There's a knock. You open the door. And your erection collapses. There stands a skinny, pimply student with a ridiculous glued-on beard. That was not your expectation. But that's why you contacted me.

"Have you always been good?" asks the weakling with a thunderous bass you wouldn't have thought him capable of. You shake your head. Still unable to react out of disappointment. The Christmas hustler unbuttons his red coat. You wouldn't have thought him capable of such a hairy chest. "But at least you can recite a poem?" You shake your head again. He pulls the cheap hat off his head and rips the beard off his face. Surprisingly, there is a full beard underneath. Your cock starts to twitch again. "Let's see what kind of naughty kids we've got in our sack." You didn't think his voice could go any lower. Santa's skin is getting healthier and much, much darker. His chest puffs out. Fuck, was that red coat sleeveless just now? And where did he get those monstrous arms with which he pulls a pair of handcuffs out of the velvet sack? "Lie down on the bed, you Christmas gnome!" You can't help but obey his wish, his command. Santa strikes a double bicep pose and rips the coat off his upper body. Okay, this isn't the kindly white-haired man you were expecting. But he is tall and round and bearded. And damn, he has a huge present for you.

Half an hour later, you're lying on the bed, encrusted with cum and drenched in sweat. Santa puts on his sweatpants. What you wouldn't give to be such a picture of a Christmas stallion… Santa asks you if you need a special invitation. You rub your aching wrists and look at him questioningly. He throws you the car keys. Your shift as Knecht Ruprecht, Santa's always horny assistant and chauffeur, is about to begin. Have fun with it!

Pics found @maxx-magnum

[amarenacherriezzz]

Hab mir jetzt auch mal diese Klaasohm Doku von STRG_F angeschaut und das Schweigen von allen Seiten, aber besonders von den Authoritäten, war so erschreckend und gruselig. Und dann ja noch diese Begründung nach dem Motto "Als Außenseiter können Sie ja gar nicht verstehen warum Frauen schlagen für uns OK ist" ist einfach abstoßend.

Klar haben wir in Deutschland auch mehrere Bräuche die mit Grusel usw zu tun haben (Knecht Ruprecht, Krampus, auch das Hexenfeuer etc.), aber die wurden ja zeitgemäß angepasst und sind nicht mehr so gewalttätig. Der Fakt, dass so viele Leute Angst vor Konsequenzen haben, wenn sie sich negativ zu Klaasohm äußern, dass weder Bürgermeister NOCH Polizei etwas dazu sagen, dass es vorallem junge Frauen sind, die geschlagen werden und man sich nicht wehren kann/darf, macht dieses Fest halt ganz klar zu einem MISS-Brauch, wie Gnu das so schön gesagt hat. Ja Traditionen und Bräuche sind schön und wichtig, aber bitte ohne Gewalt.

[frosted-night]

Sry for the spam about Krampus, he’s just my favorite Yule spirit. But do you got any headcanons about his backstory? Like who he was before he became a Yule spirit and he met north.

MAN IM SORRY IF I SAW THIS LATE I HAVENT CHECKED MY INBOX IN A HOT MINUTE HOWDY

As for his backstory, there aren't many like him (species wise) so its probably an Aster situation. Though hes young in comparison. He found himself one day in the cold mountains of Europe and walked until he found some semblance of civilization. Humans didn't see him of course but nature spirits kind of took him under their wing. Teaching him how to survive the cold, blend in with the light and shadows and how to fend for himself.

He grew resentful towards children who were ungrateful for what they had while he had nothing. Thus, he began a campaign to punish the naughty children. His earliest methods..were out of pocket I'll admit that. It caught the attention of jolly St.Nicholas and he was dispatched to the area Krampus was in.

They fought long and hard but came to an agreement since Krampus only came out during December to punish children. He loosened his methods and walked alongside North during their festivities. They'd play fight for the childrens amusement, walk the parades and take shifts together on Krampusnacht and Yule/Christmas.

They grew closer but kept it a secret as they were unsure of the others feelings. to each other after North needed help raising a child he found. (Knecht Ruprecht, german xmas spirit)

[marine-indie-gal]

Given the fact that Halloween is already over, I'd figure that I knew I needed to expand more of my Adaptational Rudolph/Christmas Lore starting with the Two Polar Opposites of Holiday Mascots, including my versions of Young! Santa (Nick) and Krampus (Chris) (Yes, I did based off of Young Krampus off of Knecht Ruprecht, one of the earliest versions of the Krampus Character).

(Yes, I know November is the Month of Thanksgiving but given that Christmas is only a Month ahead of its away, I wouldn't want to miss it for Next Month).

Santa and Krampus were once Close Friends but that all had to changed due to One Big Mistake that changed their Whole Lives forever to where they are now.

Santa will always be remembered as "Saint Nick" whereas Krampus' Real Name will forever be forgotten.

(Yes, I know that Santa and Krampus aren't actually "Enemies" in Christmas Lore but I always did prefer the whole "Childhood Friends to Adult Enemies" dynamic beneath them due to how I always vision Krampus the more polar opposite to Santa's side).

Santa Claus/Saint Nicholas & Krampus/Knecht Ruprecht (c) Christmas Folklore & Abrahamic Religions

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (c) Robert L. May

[fafnir19]

Naughty or nice

Kathy and Ben lived in the same apartment building. They often bumped into each other in the lobby or elevator, exchanging casual small talks. Kathy, with her charming smile and endearing laughter, always managed to brighten Ben's day, but he was never quite sure how to respond to her presence. Since Kathy had broken up with her boyfriend, she had been turning to Ben for help quite often, seeking his company and assistance even for the smallest matters. Ben had treated Kathy had never sat well with Ben. So, when Kathy constantly asked for his help, Ben couldn't help but feel a growing annoyance. Perhaps she had been never been a fan of Kathy's ex-boyfriend. He considered him to be an arrogant snob, and the way he treating her ex-boyfriend like a servant because she came from a wealthy family, Ben assumed with a tinge of bitterness. "Hey, Kathy, I can't keep doing this," Ben said one day, his frustration bubbling over. "I'm not your personal assistant, you know. And just because your parents have money, doesn't mean you can make others do whatever you want."

It was St. Nicholas Day, and Kathy pleaded with Ben for help again. "Please, Ben, it's important! I promise I won't ask for anything again," she implored. "You always say that," Ben shouted, his patience wearing thin. "I'm not your servant, Kathy!" Storming out of the apartment building in a huff, Ben collided with St. Nicholas and his helper, Knecht Ruprecht, who were spreading joy and cheer in the neighborhood.

"You've been good this year, young man?" St. Nicholas asked with a twinkle in his eye. "Save that question for the kids," Ben replied, irked by the joviality around him. Without warning, Knecht Ruprecht swiftly stuffed Ben into his sack, ignoring Ben's shouts and struggles. Before Ben could even comprehend what was happening, he found himself in the workshop of St. Nicholas with no way of escape. St. Nicholas's voice filled the workshop as he explained Ben's predicament. "You have refused to help Kathy too many times, young man. As a consequence, you will now work in my workshop until you understand the true spirit of Christmas."

In the following weeks leading up to Christmas, Ben toiled alongside the cheerful Christmas elves in the workshop. The air was thick with the scent of fresh pine and the sound of little hammers and chisels transforming old, forgotten toys into new ones with magical craftsmanship. However, instead of feeling the joy of the season, Ben's heart grew colder as he was forced to immerse himself in the work. Furthermore, the elves had also forced Ben to wear a green tuxedo, a symbol of his servanthood that he couldn't shed. As Christmas drew nearer, St. Nicholas took Ben aside and revealed to him the truth about Kathy. "She is lonely, and she has turned to you because she cares for you. Her constant requests for help were her way of trying to connect with you." Before Ben could process this revelation, the Christmas elves lined up, thanking Ben for his hard work. "Only one thing remains to be done," they declared. Ben was puzzled, for all the old toys had been transformed into new ones. The elves surrounded him, molding him as if he were clay, their nimble fingers shaping his features with delicate precision. As if guided by magic, his once unremarkable visage transformed into that of a dashing, handsome young man with captivating charm. A radiant smile graced his chiseled features; his eyes sparkled with newfound allure, and he stood in stunned silence as he admired his own reflection.

On Christmas Eve, St. Nicholas took Ben on his sleigh to deliver gifts.

But instead of taking him to his own home, St. Nicholas placed him under Kathy's Christmas tree. "Wait, I can't be here!" Ben's panic rose in his throat, but he couldn't move a muscle. St. Nicholas's words echoed in his mind: "You are nothing more than a gift now, a toy for the big girls.". He was a gift now, and a gift couldn't simply walk away from the Christmas tree.

Kathy's gasp filled the room as she laid eyes on the extraordinary Christmas surprise. "Oh, my goodness! This is amazing!" She lifted Ben, who could only watch in shock as she reveled in her new companion, oblivious to the turmoil within him. As their days together unfolded, Kathy found herself ecstatic with the new Ben, soon realizing that he was not only the perfect boyfriend on the outside but was also unexpectedly better in every way, especially in bed. Despite his protests and struggles, he was perceived by everyone as an ideal boyfriend, a mirror image of Kathy's previous beau.

However, Kathy was enamored with her new companion, and Ben couldn't help but notice her joyful laughter and contented smiles. And in the privacy of their moments together, Ben noticed another change – she moaned with delight and found solace in his embrace, making him question the depth of his own feelings.