• Australia's largest state hits record-high COVID-19 cases despite weeks of strict lockdown. 'It's a tinderbox ready to explode,' one official said.
• eToro says crypto made up 73% of trading commissions in the last quarter, as retail customers dived in
• A flight attendant says she was too exhausted to report a passenger who shoved her when a flight was overbooked: report
• US jobless claims climb for first time in 5 weeks, to 353,000

I HAVE A vivid memory of my friend hanging off a door horizontally, her nails digging into the wooden frame as a giant, fur-covered beast with demonic red eyes and giant fangs pulled her outside into the cold December night.

A few feet away, a girl was sobbing while a horned monster whipped her.

Kids everywhere were screaming and crying, the Alpine house thrust into chaos as children scampered about seeking safety.

We were 8 years old, and the whole thing was arranged by our parents.

Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night, is an ancient Austrian tradition that is also celebrated in Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic.

Basically, Santa, or Sankt Nikolaus (St. Nicholas), comes around with his devils (or Krampuses) in tow.

He is there to determine whether kids have been naughty or nice. In this case, being naughty has severe consequences: a run-in with his demon assistants.

Let’s take a look at this insane tradition…

This is Krampus. Santa's little helper is a terrifying demonic beast that helps him deal with naughty kids. He literally exists to scare children straight. Wikipedia Wikipedia

Most Krampuses have thick fur, sharp horns, cloven hooves, fangs, and a long, pointy tongue. They usually wear loud bells and chains, which they thrash around for effect, and carry a whip or birch branches to beat kids with. Associated Press Associated Press

They also often brandish a basket or sack of some sort, meant to transport kids to hell (or the nearest river). Associated Press Associated Press

Most Alpine towns feature an annual Krampuslauf, or Krampus Run. It usually takes place on December 5, the night before the feast of St. Nicholas. Associated Press Associated Press

Anyone can dress up as the Krampus. The wooden masks they wear are typically handmade, intricate, and absolutely terrifying. Associated Press Associated Press

Increasingly, towns featuring Krampus Runs have had issues with drunken Krampuses getting a little too rowdy. They're known to chase people across town, beating them with their sticks, getting a little too into character ... and you never know who's hiding behind those masks. Associated Press Associated Press

Though no one quite knows for certain, this tradition is often believed to have begun when the Moors raided European towns, kidnapping locals and selling them into slavery. Associated Press Associated Press

Legend has it the Krampuses' chains symbolise a binding to the devil by the Christian Church, and the birch branches hail from ancient pagan initiation rites. Associated Press Associated Press

Krampus punishes misbehavior. He is the opposite of St. Nicholas, a warm and friendly old man who rewards good kids with candy and gifts. Associated Press Associated Press

Parents threaten their kids with Krampus all year long, arranging for him to show up in their homes should their threats go unheeded. Associated Press Associated Press

Krampus is so insanely scary that he was actually banned a few times — alternatively by the Catholic Church and the Austrian government, and later during WWII. Associated Press Associated Press

Krampus has been having a resurgence in Europe recently, and has even caught on in the US. A new Universal Studios movie called Krampus was released in Irish cinemas at the start of the month. Associated Press Associated Press

- Sophie-Claire Hoeller for Business Insider

Read: Someone at this Cork flooring company has a sense of humour

Read: The Magnificent Seven: the best sports movies ever

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More