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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1990-12-21, Page 29Unusual characters abound in old Christmas legends In today’s America, with street corner Santas the norm, and child­ ren across the country growing up charmed by TV versions of Santa’s elves, it may be heard to believe that there is a multiplicity of demons and other frightening apparitions associated with the Christmas season, as well. But, in fact, in the Yule legends of a myriad of countries, these figures have their place, part of the mystery and merriment that have their roots in the pagant past, and which infused Christianity as Christianity itself changed to ab­ sorb and accommodate the diverse peoples to whom it reached out, and whose lives it strove to change. Thus, the snow-clad lands of the distant north, to the sun-kissed Mediterranean, demons peek out of Christmas lore, tantalizing glimpses into all-but-for-gotten traditions, which in turn invite us to inquire into a past even farther removed. One of the most persistent legends, in a myriad of countries, is of a demon who accompanies Saint Nicholas on his travels. In Holland, it is Black Peter who goes along with Saint Nicholas when he makes his gift-giving rounds, carrying for Saint Nicholas his sack of presents, and making sure that the appropriate gifts are sent down the chimneys of each home, and into the waiting shoes of the children of each household. EERIE ASPECTS All this may sound rather inno­ cuous, but the legend takes on eerier reverberations when we realize that, in the Middle Ages, “Black Peter’’ was the name used by the Dutch to refer to the Devil. This aspect of his character is in fact revealed by the second sack Black Peter carries, for it is into this bag that Black Peter puts those children guilty of misbehaviour, who are then carried off for punishment. In Czechoslovakia, Black Peter’s role is taken by Cert. Garbed entirely in black and carrying chains and a whip, Cert follows behind Svaly Mikalas (Saint Nicholasd) as he makes his rounds. While Svaly Mikalas rewards the good children with gifts, Cert uses the tools he carries to punish those who have erred. In some parts of Austria, Cert’s counterpart is the Klaubauf, who accompanies Saint Nicholas on the visits he makes on his holy day, December 6th. More a beast than a man, the Klaubauf has horns, a furry coat, a black visage, burning eyes and a tongue as lengthy as it is crimson. Wearing only rags and restrained by chains, his appearance is usu­ ally sufficient warning for children who have been tempted to misbe­ have. Elsewhere in Austria, the Klau- bauf’s role and responsibilities are assumed by Krampus, who threat­ ens naughty children with the whip he holds. He never gets to put his threats into practice, however, because of Saint Nick’s benign - and timely - intervention. Hans Trapp, a German demon, is another character of this type. He, like the Klaubauf, is bestial in nature; his face is blackened and his outfit is a bearskin. It is the Christkind (Christ child), rather than Saint Nicholas, whom he is believed to precede, on His journey to distribute presents. Needless to say, Hans Trapp's role in the legend is to frighten the children he encounters; this be­ haviour continues until he is sent off by the Christkind’s arrival on the scene. In France, Pere Fouchette. whose name derives from the word for the birch rod he carries, accompanies Father Christmas on his rounds. However, whihe Pere Noel re­ wards with presents those children who have behaved all year, Pere Fouchette uses his rod when neces­ sary, and has even been known to cart off, on occasion, the very worst boys and girls in a basket which he carries for that very purpose. Even more threatening are the Greek Kallikantzaroi. Like many figures out of ancient Greek myth­ ology, the Kallikantzaroi are only half-human. These evil creatures spend their miserable lives underground, dedi­ cated to the dubious work of destroying the roots of the tree which, legend says, holds up the earth. However, at Christmas, their labors end in failure, as the tree is revitalized by Christ’s birth. In their fury, the legend contin­ ues, the Kallikantzaroi emerge from the depths of the earth to assuage their anger, which they do through a series of often cruel practical jokes. They can be discouraged, how­ ever; methods for accomplishing this feat range from suspending the jawbone of a pig in the chimney or on the door, to keeping the Christmas log burning merrily on the hearth, to throwing old shoes or salt onto the fire, in the hope that0 the resulting odor will repel the evil ones. Not frightening but merely play­ ful is the Danish imp and trickster, the Julnisse, who is renowned for the practical jokes he orchestrates. He can usually be found in old farmhouses, often in the attic, dressed in his traditional costume which incoporates gray clothes, white clogs, and red cap and hose. How anyone has determined his attire remains a mystery, as no one but the family feline has ever encountered him. Danish farmers show their wis­ dom by making peace with the Julnisse; this they accomplish by feeding him rice pudding on Christ­ mas Eve. In return, the Julnisse guards their animals. AMERICAN LEGENDS Most of these figures of gloom, ill tidings and mischief, unkown to most Americans, have been lost in the mists of time. The only one which seems to have crossed the Atlantic to the New World is Belsnickle, a descendant of the German Knecht Rupprecht, who is part of Pennsylvania Dutch Christ­ mas legend. Like so many others of these mysterious figures a sidekick of Saint Nicholas, Belsnickler (who appears dressed in a sheet, his face hidden by a mask) is responsible for making sure that naughty children are their ways. Belsnickle American Children have it easy. Because, while Santa may be “keeping a list and checking it twice,’1 and while the well-behaved children may be rewarded, for the most part there is no Black Peter to emerge out of legend to mete our punishment to those who have misbehaved. And, no doubt, Santa himself looks the other way and fills the stockings of even naughty children with toys and candy instead of coal. And, after all, that’s the spirit of giving, a spirit which Christmas exemplifies, and which is more powerful by far than the ominous spirit of Black Peter and his kin, whose medieval sternness is not in harmony with the Christmas spirit as we know it, enjoy it and spread it today. taught the error of aside, mischievous Christmas BY BETH KNOX Each Christmas brings with it a number of joys, As we sit by the tree and remember The by-gone holidays with our girls and boys. In the snow covered month of December. Under the tree are gifts every size, Christmas Eve shared with family and friend. While coloured lights twinkle as stars in the skies, Holiday season in happiness we spend. Remembering, laughter and also a tear, The love of dear ones in our memory will stay, As Christmas returns year after year. It’s the Birthday of Jesus we celebrate today, And prepare for the New Year with love in the heart. Enjoy the turkey and trimmings, the games and song. Forgetting past grievance and make a new start. Sing Carols, show friendship, all year long, Pray that Peace and Goodwill will never depart. Q. Is grain corn feeding livestock? A. No way! Grain 1000 by-products, everything from syrup to starch and is a variety of industries, from medical to manufacturing. Recipe For A Sweet Season 3Mix one part good will with two parts joy, and sprinkle with a dash of cheer. Stir well and serve in generous portions to all! Joyous Noel from all of us elves at TODD'S BAKERY BRUSSELS 887-6666 THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1990. PAGE 29. a -a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a i a a a a a a a a a a , aenovations a The Simple Things Bring us the Greatest Joys Our thanks for your loyal patronage. Merry Christmas to you and your family. 55 \aymond 7 An o 4F ■ z-c; 11 u v a 11 o 11\ Ltd. a BRUCE & GWEN BRUSSELS 887-6092 used only for has over used in corn It’s A Bruce Doris Danny Sandy Gary & Kim A time to look back with CHRISTMAS fondness on good times, jn 4 Tritl/II? family traditions, and loyal |?\Z1 llylp III friends. And a time for us *5? £* * ' Y to thank you for making us P|7 ll/f |2|1/| I)L D feel so welcome here. 1uj1V11j1V1D1jH iSALES & SERVICE LTD = 887 9269 J