Current：Home > InvestIn some Czech villages, St Nicholas leads a parade with the devil and grim reaper in tow -FutureFinance
In some Czech villages, St Nicholas leads a parade with the devil and grim reaper in tow
View
Date：2025-04-28 00:15:17
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！ (85)
Related
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Charissa Thompson saying she made up sideline reports is a bigger problem than you think
- Alabama inmate who fatally shot man during 1993 robbery is executed
- Brewers make tough decision to non-tender pitcher Brandon Woodruff
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- Struggling with what to bring to Thanksgiving dinner? These tips can keep the host happy.
- Prosecutors prep evidence for Alec Baldwin 'Rust' shooting grand jury: What you need to know
- British writer AS Byatt, author of ‘Possession,’ dies at 87
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- World's first gene therapy for sickle cell and thalassemia approved in the U.K.
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- The Paris Olympics scales back design of a new surf tower in Tahiti after criticism from locals
- Dolly Parton dug deep to become a 'Rockstar': 'I'm going to bust a gut and do it'
- Snoop Dogg says he's 'giving up smoke' after releasing a bag with stash pockets, lighter
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- George Brown, drummer and co-founder of Kool & The Gang, dead at 74
- New York appeals court temporarily lifts Trump gag order in civil fraud trial
- Prices fall, unemployment rises and Boomers have all the houses
Recommendation
Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
Analysis: No Joe Burrow means no chance for the Cincinnati Bengals
Georgia prosecutor seeks August trial date for Trump and others in election case
Greek authorities conduct search and rescue operation after dinghy carrying migrants capsizes
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
K-Pop star Rose joins first lady Jill Biden to talk mental health
Indian troops kill 5 suspected rebels in Kashmir fighting, police say
Alex Murdaugh pleads guilty to financial crimes in state court, adding to prison time