Current:Home > MarketsYou've heard of Santa, maybe even Krampus, but what about the child-eating Yule Cat?-InfoLens
You've heard of Santa, maybe even Krampus, but what about the child-eating Yule Cat?
View Date:2024-12-23 14:30:36
Christmas time is upon us, and though children loathe getting new clothes for gifts, they best put on that new itchy sweater or slide on those unwanted socks. Or else risk being eaten alive by a giant cat, at least according to Icelandic folklore.
That's right. A child's worst nightmare — new clothes under the tree — could only be outdone by a somehow worse nightmare, being devoured by a ferocious feline that hunts down children caught not wearing their new clothes.
The tale of Jólakötturinn, which translates to Yule Cat, is an Icelandic Christmas classic dating back to at least 1932, according to the Icelandic Folklore website, a research project managed by the University of Iceland.
Jóhannes úr Kötlum, an Icelandic poet, wrote about the Yule Cat in his book, Jólin koma (Christmas is Coming), published in 1932.
Kötlum's poem tells the tale of a cat that's "very large" with glowing eyes. It roams the countryside, going from house to house looking for children who aren't wearing the new clothes they got for Christmas, according to the poem.
Memes of the Yule Cat have been making their way around social media, some are meant to be spooky, while others are a blend of fascination and satire.
"I am really fascinated by other culture's holiday traditions so shoutout to my boy the Yule Cat," one meme reads. "A monstrous cat who roams Iceland eating people who aren't wearing the clothes they got for Christmas."
The Yule Cat isn't the only sinister character that comes around Christmas.
Another European folklore character is Krampus, an anti-Santa demon that kidnaps and punishes naughty kids, according to mythology.net. Munich, Germany, hosts an annual Krampus run, which attracts hundreds of participants — and more spectators — every year.
veryGood! (91)
Related
- Asian sesame salad sold in Wegmans supermarkets recalled over egg allergy warning
- These Are the Celeb Exes Who Could Run Into Each Other Inside the Met Gala 2023
- Paris Hilton Proves She's Sliving Her Best Life at First-Ever Met Gala
- Prince William and Kate Middleton Casually Go for a Ride in 12th Anniversary Photo
- Roster limits in college small sports put athletes on chopping block while coaches look for answers
- Bachelor Nation’s Becca Kufrin Is Pregnant, Expecting First Baby With Thomas Jacobs
- The Truth About Anna Wintour and Bill Nighy's Relationship After Met Gala 2023 Appearance
- See How Rihanna, Kylie Jenner and More Switched Up Their Met Gala Looks for After-Party Attire
- Horoscopes Today, November 13, 2024
- A Father-Daughter Incest Case That Ended in Murder: The Haunting Story of Katie Pladl
Ranking
- Bev Priestman fired as Canada women’s soccer coach after review of Olympic drone scandal
- Live From New York It’s Pete Davidson and Chase Sui’s Date Night
- Mother's Day Gifts for Wine Moms: Flight Sets, Bottle Chillers, Wine Charms & More
- Charlotte Tilbury's Limited-Time Sale Has Deals on Flawless Filter, Pillow Talk, Contour Wands & More
- John Robinson, former USC Trojans and Los Angeles Rams coach, dies at 89
- The Best Beauty Looks at the Met Gala Prove It's Not Just About Fashion
- Cara Delevingne Makes a Strong Case for Leg Warmers at the 2023 Met Gala
- Keep Up With Kim Kardashian's Most Challenging Met Gala Looks
Recommendation
-
Is Kyle Richards Finally Ready to File for Divorce From Mauricio Umansky? She Says...
-
IBM, Professors Team Up to Train ‘Smart’ Students for a Green Jobs Future
-
Post Malone Slams Drug Use Rumors Amid Weight Loss Journey
-
U.S. Powers Up on Solar as Manufacturing and Installation Costs Fall
-
Mississippi woman pleads guilty to stealing Social Security funds
-
Proof Lizzo Is Feeling Good As Hell on the Met Gala 2023 Red Carpet
-
Lululemon's Mother’s Day Gift Guide Has Something for Every Type of Mom
-
Tony Awards 2023 Nominations: See the Complete List