Description
The dark folklore behind Krampus, St. Nicholas, and thewinter traditions that survived beneath Christmas.
The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas by Al Ridenour explores the shadow sideof the winter holidays, tracing the folklore, rituals, and seasonal customsthat predate and coexist with modern Christmas. Moving from Alpine Krampus runsand masked parades to wassailing, mumming, and other pre-Christian wintertraditions, Ridenour uncovers a seasonal world filled with devils, spirits, andsymbolic reversals of social order. Blending cultural history, folklore research, andcontemporary fieldwork, the book examines how figures like Krampus, Perchta, and other winter spirits evolved over centuries–and why they continue toresonate today. Ridenour documents the revival of these traditions acrossEurope and North America, placing them within a broader history of winterfestivals, public spectacle, and communal ritual. Richly illustrated andgrounded in both scholarship and firsthand observation, the book offers adetailed look at how the “old dark Christmas” persists beneath modern holidayculture. An essential seasonal title for readers of folklore, European history, Christmas traditions, and contemporary festival ‘s
A Season of Madness: Fools, Monsters, and Marvels, of the Old-World Carnival (2025) explores the winter festivals and celebrations that begin after Christmas. “Delightfully informative and beautifully illustrated…a must for anyone curiousabout the darker side of the holidays.” — Publishers Weekly “A lively tour through the strange and ancient roots of Christmas.” — LosAngeles Review of Books “Engaging and meticulously researched.” — Atlas Obscura “Perfect for readers who like their holiday traditions with a little mischief.”– Boing Boing
Author: Al Ridenour
Publisher: Feral House
Published: 10/4/2016
Pages: 248
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.65 lbs
Size: 9.9″ H x 7″ L x 0.7″ W
ISBN: 9781627310345
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