Moon Mausoleum
An online magazine about the paranormal, haunted and macabre. We collect the ghost stories from all around the world as well as review horror and gothic media.
On an eternal path to greet the baby Jesus, the Italian Christmas Witch, La Befana leaves candy for the children and a question to the grown ups: Who was she really, and could her origins be older than her own tradition perhaps?
One of the many evil helpers of St. Nicholas, coming during the Christmas season to punish children, we find the story about Père Fouettard, or Father Whipper from Lorraine.
During the Christmas season, tales were told of Frau Perchta, who would visit people’s home and check if they had been good or bad. She would reward the good ones, but punish the bad ones by slicing their bellies open.
The children of Alsace are often reminded to watch out for Hans Trapp, a cursed Baron now dressing as a scarecrow, waiting for passing by children. Today now also said to be one of Santa’s helpers, punishing the bad children.
By Santa’s side, you will sometimes find his evil companion, Krampus, finding children and punishing them if they have been bad. But who really is this monster, coming after you on Krampusnacht.