Public opinion reflects new stance
There are different versions of the legend. One says she was a pregnant mare cast out of the stables to make room for baby Jesus, and now roams alone looking for a place to have her foal.
The mission of these goblins from Greek folklore is to destroy the tree that supports Earth. They live underground but come to the surface during the 12 Days of Christmas. Where, according to author John Tomkinson, "they intimidate people, urinate in flower beds, spoil food, tip things over and break furniture."
The Mari Lwyd (Welsh for "Grey Mare") is believed to date back to pre-Christian Celtic mythology.
Frau Perchta has its roots in Austrian folklore. Frau Perchta was originally a goddess with a "swan's foot," who had the ability to change shape.
Père Fouettard is basically the French version of Knecht Ruprecht. He also accompanies Saint Nicholas and punishes disobedient children.
Dr. Seuss' The Grinch is probably the most recent anti-Christmas monster. The character was first introduced in the 1957 children's book 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!'
Sources: (Grunge)
See also: Celebrations around the world other than Christmas
Belsnickel has its origins in Southwest Germany. This scruffy bad Santa was used as a reminder for children to behave well before Santa arrived.
The tradition was brought by German settlers to Pennsylvania in the US, where Belsnickel is celebrated to this day.
This Saint Nicholas' assistant is a bit scary. He can reward children, who are well behaved and can recite prayers, with sweets and nuts. The catch?
These half-ogre, half-troll creatures would terrify children and steal things such as food from people's homes.
Jólakötturinn (Yule Cat) was Grýla's pet. The evil cat is said to roam searching for food on Christmas night.
This wouldn't sound very terrifying, except for the fact that Jólakötturinn's favorite food was children!
This witch lived with her third husband Leppalúði in a lava field. If you're wondering what happened to her previous two husbands, well, she killed them, of course.
The legend of this evil Santa companion is based on the real-life story of a German knight named Hans von Trotha. He was into black magic and made a pact with the devil, so the pope excommunicated him.
Iceland rules when it comes to Christmas monsters. The legend of Grýla dates back to pre-Christian celebration of Jól (Yule).
Grýla had 13 sons, the mischievous trolls known as the Yule Lads. They are quite popular in Icelandic folklore, and although nowadays they're depicted as nice creatures, this wasn't always the case.
Italy's most famous witch, Befana, actually rewards well-behaved children. There are various versions of the legend. One says that she sweeps the floors of the houses she visits and that she's the protector of all children.
But according to one version of the legend, she might just put a badly behaved child into a sack and feed the kid to her husband! Befana is part of Italian culture and is celebrated mostly in Urbania and Venice.
Otherwise, Frau Perchta would cut open the bellies of both children and adults who failed to feast during the holiday season. Ouch!
These days, a horse's skull with eyes and a colorful mane of ribbons is operated by a person and paraded across the streets of Welsh villages.
There are different accounts of what the ogress looked like. Some stories depict her as a monster with numerous tails and heads that would feed on badly behaved children.
But, of course, he had rules. Jólakötturinn would only attack children who wore old clothes. So, if you're lucky enough to receive new clothes for Christmas, make sure you wear them!
He then exiled in the forest and started preying on children. But as he was about to feast on one, he was struck by lightning and died. His spirit is said to wander looking for bad children around Christmastime, dressed as a scarecrow.
It's usually observed during celebrations of Krampusnacht, mostly in Austria, Bavaria in Germany, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
If they behaved badly, he would give them coal and ashes instead. Or worse–he'd take them away!
Christmas is not just about Jesus and Santa Claus. In fact, many folk traditions are quite the opposite of an adorable baby being born and a friendly bearded man. Some have in fact terrifying creatures and child-eating monsters! The vast majority of these legends predate Christianity and many are still celebrated to this day in festivals and ancient traditions. But how scary are these pagan monsters?
Click through the following gallery and discover the most terrifying Christmas folk monsters out there!
Early Christians started associating her with the feast of Epiphany. If children said their prayers, feasted, and behaved well, then Frau Perchta would reward them with sugarplums and nuts.
Terrifying Christmas folk monsters
From trolls to child-eating cats
LIFESTYLE Folklore
Christmas is not just about Jesus and Santa Claus. In fact, many folk traditions are quite the opposite of an adorable baby being born and a friendly bearded man. Some have in fact terrifying creatures and child-eating monsters! The vast majority of these legends predate Christianity and many are still celebrated to this day in festivals and ancient traditions. But how scary are these pagan monsters?
Click through the following gallery and discover the most terrifying Christmas folk monsters out there!