“TRUE STORIES OF KIDS VERSUS BURGLARS AT CHRISTMAS!” and More Real #HolidayHorrors! #WeirdDarkness
Weird Darkness: Stories of the Paranormal, Supernatural, Legends, Lore, Mysterious, Macabre, Unsolved
Deep Dive
Why were dead birds featured on Christmas cards in the Victorian era?
Dead birds on Christmas cards were popular in the Victorian era, likely due to the era's sentimental obsession with death. The images of frozen birds may have symbolized pity and sympathy, possibly referencing stories of poor children freezing in the snow. Robins and wrens, symbols of good luck, were particularly important birds in British and Irish folklore.
What are some of the terrifying Christmas characters from folklore?
Belsnickel, a figure from Germany, is a creepy-looking character who threatens children with a switch if they misbehave. Krampus, from Germanic folklore, is a demonic figure who punishes naughty children by beating and kidnapping them. Frau Perchta, from Alpine regions, is a dual-natured spirit who can be either a protector of children or a terrifying hag who slits the bellies of those who disobey her.
What happened to Michelle Hunley Smith, who disappeared while Christmas shopping?
Michelle Hunley Smith, a 38-year-old mother from North Carolina, disappeared on December 9, 2001, after leaving her family to go Christmas shopping. She was last seen driving her van towards Martinsville, Virginia, but she never returned home. Despite investigations and an anonymous letter suggesting her social security number was used in another county, her whereabouts remain unknown.
How did children historically defend their homes against burglars during the holidays?
Children have used various strategies to defend their homes, such as asking burglars nicely not to take their Christmas presents, dressing for battle, offering gift baskets, or even sitting down for a conversation. In one case, a 10-year-old girl convinced a burglar not to take her presents, while another family offered a gift basket to a burglar they believed was hungry.
Who is Frau Perchta, and what is her role in Christmas folklore?
Frau Perchta is a dual-natured figure from Germanic pagan tradition. She can be either a beautiful protector of women and children or a terrifying hag who slits the bellies of those who disobey her, such as those who leave their homes dirty or haven't finished their spinning. She is associated with the Feast of Epiphany on January 6th and is part of the wild hunt.
Why did the Catholic Church try to suppress the worship of Frau Perchta?
The Catholic Church attempted to suppress the worship of Frau Perchta because they saw it as a pagan practice that competed with Christian beliefs. By the 12th century, the church had renamed Frau Perchta as a frightening monster to discourage her worship. In 1468, the church officially outlawed the cult of Perchta in the Thesaurus Paupernum.
What is the significance of Krampus in Christmas folklore?
Krampus is a demonic figure from Germanic folklore who punishes naughty children during the Christmas season. His day is December 5th, and he is known for beating and kidnapping misbehaving children, often taking them to his lair for further punishment. Krampus is the antithesis of Santa Claus and serves as a reminder of the consequences of bad behavior.
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