The days grow shorter, the nights grow longer, and the chill of midwinter brings with it a sense of mystery and the strange traditions that have kept people entertained—or terrified—for centuries. Here are 10 dark midwinter traditions that might make you rethink that warm cup of cocoa by the fire.
1. The Yule Goat (Sweden)
In Sweden, the Yule Goat, a figure from Norse mythology, was once said to deliver presents. Today, it's mostly a symbol of the Christmas season. However, it also has a dark side, as it’s tied to the tradition of scaring children and adults alike with its imposing figure. And let's not forget the infamous giant straw goat in Gävle that’s been burned down (illegally) by pranksters every year since 1966!
2. Krampus (Austria & Germany)
The antithesis to St. Nicholas, Krampus is a terrifying half-goat, half-demon creature that punishes naughty children during the Christmas season. Known for its menacing appearance, Krampus has become a popular figure in European folklore and is celebrated with Krampus runs in some regions.
3. The Feast of Fools (France)
During the medieval era, the Feast of Fools was celebrated on December 28th, a day marked by revelry, role reversals, and chaotic behavior. Participants would mock the Church, and society’s rules would be turned upside down, leading to a truly bizarre holiday.
4. The Night of the Witches (Italy)
In parts of Italy, the night of December 5th marks the beginning of a celebration tied to witchcraft and the supernatural. Witches, believed to possess the power to either bring fortune or misfortune, would roam the streets. Some traditions tell of them leaving gifts, while others say they played pranks or worse.
5. The Icelandic Yule Lads
In Iceland, 13 mischievous Yule Lads visit homes during the 13 days leading up to Christmas. Each one has its own distinct personality, some friendly, others decidedly more troublesome. For example, there’s "Door Slammer," who makes noise by slamming doors, and "Sausage Swiper," who steals sausages!
6. The Black Bête (France)
In southern France, a giant black bull known as the "Black Bête" would supposedly roam the streets during the midwinter festivities. It was said to be a harbinger of misfortune, and those unlucky enough to encounter it were thought to be cursed for the coming year.
7. Midnight Mass and Ghostly Encounters (Global)
Across the world, many cultures celebrate Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. In some parts of Europe, it’s said that this sacred night is also filled with the presence of spirits—ghosts of ancestors long past, appearing in the dark hours of the night to reconnect with their families.
8. Jólakötturinn (Iceland)
In Iceland, there is a mythical Christmas cat called Jólakötturinn that is said to eat anyone who has not received new clothes for Christmas. Yes, that’s right—the tradition ties the importance of receiving new garments to avoiding being devoured by a giant cat!
9. The Mummer's Play (UK & Ireland)
Once celebrated in England and Ireland, Mummer’s Plays were folk plays performed during the midwinter period. These often involved a fight between good and evil, with a central figure (typically death) being resurrected. The dark themes were both thrilling and chilling for audiences.
10. The Scottish First Footing
In Scotland, the tradition of "first footing" involves the first person to enter a home after midnight on New Year's Eve. It’s believed that the first person must be a tall, dark-haired man to bring good luck. This superstition also suggests that if the first footer is a redhead or blond, it brings bad luck. The tradition is still widely followed in Scotland and the north of England.
Fun Fact:
The traditions mentioned above were often tied to beliefs in warding off evil spirits or ensuring good fortune during the dark months of winter. Many cultures used these midwinter rituals to confront the darkness literally and metaphorically!
A Reflection of Darker Days
While these dark midwinter traditions may seem strange or eerie to modern sensibilities, they reflect the deep-rooted human desire to survive the harsh winter months. The long nights and cold days often bring a sense of isolation, which makes these stories and celebrations a way to cope with the season's challenges. These traditions keep us connected to the past, as we continue to grapple with the unknowns of the long winter nights.
So the next time you're wrapped up in the warmth of the holiday season, take a moment to reflect on these mysterious and sometimes eerie traditions that help us face the darkness.