Current:Home > BackIn some Czech villages, St Nicholas leads a parade with the devil and grim reaper in tow-LoTradeCoin
In some Czech villages, St Nicholas leads a parade with the devil and grim reaper in tow
View Date:2024-12-23 20:57:15
LIDECKO, Czech Republic (AP) — In an eastern corner of the Czech Republic, St. Nicholas leads a procession of followers dressed in grim reaper and devil costumes on a journey through the village of Lidecko.
The old pre-Christmas tradition has survived for centuries in just a few villages in the region known as Wallachia.
Several groups parade together, going door to door for three days. St. Nicholas presents the children with sweets to soothe them after they see the scary costumes. The devils wear homemade masks made of sheepskin and travel with white, scythe-carrying creatures that represent death.
The custom reportedly dates from the pagan era before Christianity, when the masks helped the mountainous region’s inhabitants defend themselves against the demons of winter.
St. Nicholas was a Christian bishop in the ancient town of Myra who lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries and was known for his goodness and generosity. He is said to have inspired the creation of Santa Claus.
veryGood! (619)
Related
- College Football Fix podcast addresses curious CFP rankings and previews Week 12
- 2 children, 2 women face charges in beating death of 3-year-old toddler in Louisiana
- Bill would let Georgia schools drop property tax rates and still get state aid
- Cyclist in Washington state sustains injuries after a cougar ‘latched onto’ her
- Republican Dan Newhouse wins reelection to US House in Washington
- Indiana lawmakers vote to lift state ban on happy hours
- Environmental Groups Eye a Potential Win with New York Packaging Bill
- Former Marine and crypto lawyer John Deaton to challenge Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren
- Jax Taylor Breaks Silence on Brittany Cartwright Dating His Friend Amid Their Divorce
- John Travolta's Moving 70th Birthday Message From Daughter Ella Will Warm Your Heart
Ranking
- J.Crew Outlet Quietly Drops Their Black Friday Deals - Save Up to 70% off Everything, Styles Start at $12
- U.S. casinos won $66.5B in 2023, their best year ever as gamblers showed no economic fear
- The Hoosier Gym, home of the Hickory Huskers, still resonates with basketball fans
- Capital One to buy Discover for $35 billion in deal that combines major US credit card companies
- Indiana man is found guilty of murder in the 2017 killings of 2 teenage girls
- No raise? How do I ask for a cost-of-living adjustment? Ask HR
- Horoscopes Today, February 18, 2024
- Lenny Kravitz honored with music icon award at People's Choice Awards, gives powerful speech
Recommendation
-
When does 'Dune: Prophecy' come out? Release date, cast, where to watch prequel series
-
Driver in Milwaukee crash that killed 5 people gets 25 years in prison
-
Unions oppose plan to move NBA, NHL teams to northern Virginia, another blow to Youngkin-backed deal
-
Gun that wounded Pennsylvania officer was used in earlier drive-by shooting, official says
-
Is Veterans Day a federal holiday? Here's what to know for November 11
-
Strictly Come Dancing Alum Robin Windsor Dead at 44
-
As St. John's struggles in rebuild effort, Rick Pitino's frustration reaches new high
-
D.C. United fan groups plan protest of the MLS club’s preseason trip to Saudi Arabia