When you think of Christmas, most think of Santa Claus. Although the legendary character Santa is part of Christmas, it hasn’t always been like that. In fact, Santa Claus is the product of the merging ...

Coming across the name “Krampus” years ago made Tania Yager curious. The horned, anthropomorphic figure of central European folklore is known as a counterpart to Saint Nicholas, one who punishes ...

With Halloween approaching, University of Virginia professor of Slavic languages and literatures Stanley Stepanic investigated the history of vampire legends for The Conversation, reposted below.

While Santa Claus brings joy and gifts to good children, there's a darker figure lurking in European Christmas traditions. Krampus, a half-goat, half-demon creature, roams the streets punishing ...

Winter's seasonal shift isn't just a change in scenery—it's an invitation to rediscover places you thought you knew during peak summer travels. In Northern Europe, it's one Glühwein-warmed ...

The reality of magical creatures like fairies, elves, witches and more is often debated. Most of our cultural understanding and beliefs about fairies come from mainstream movies, TV shows and comics.

IN NORMAL YEARS, on Trinity Sunday (eight weeks after Easter), thousands of denizens of the Belgian city of Mons chase an enormous plastic dragon around the town square until a local, dressed as St ...