Knecht Ruprecht

Knecht Ruprecht

A companion of Santa who appears on Christmas Eve - He has a long beard, wears fur, or is covered in pea straw.
Ruprecht is another word for the devil
Much like other Christmas traditions in Germany, he is a dark figure that plays against Santa's light.
Knecht Ruprecht sometimes carries a long staff and a bag of ashes and wears little bells on his clothes.
sometimes he rides on a white horse, and sometimes he is accompanied by fairies, or men with blackened faces, dressed as old women
According to tradition, Knecht Ruprecht asks children whether they can pray, if they can, the receive apples, nuts and gingerbread. If they cannot, he beats the children with his bag of ashes!


Researched and written by Allen Tiller
First published 2012 ©

La Befana

La Befana

Befana is an old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve.
In popular folklore, Befana visits all the children of Italy on the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany to fill their socks with candy and presents if they are good or a lump of or dark candy if they are bad.
Being a good housekeeper, many say she will sweep the floor before she leaves.
The child's family typically leaves a small glass of wine and a plate with a few morsels of food, often regional or local, for the Belfana, an Italian tradition.

Researched and written by Allen Tiller

First published 2012 ©

El Festival de los Rabanos

El Festival de los Rabanos

Radish figures line the central plaza of Oaxaca Mexico on December 23rd and 24th. Nativity scenes, conquistadors, dancers, historical and mythological events are sculpted from radishes by Mexican artisans and add to the colour of holiday celebrations.
El Festival de los Rabanos (The Festival of Radishes) is a one-of-a-kind festival that features dance, food and delicately craved radishes...

A colourful Mexican Christmas tradition!

Researched and written by Allen Tiller

First published 2012 ©