The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

HUNGARIAN CUSTOM

ON ST. NICHOLAS DAY A FELLOW CALLED "KRUMPUS" WOULD
COME THROUGH THE TOWN. HE WORE A LONG BELT FASHIONED
FROM CHAIN. HE CARRIED A WOODEN SWITCH AND A BAG OF
WALNUTS.
KRUMPUS WOULD WALK THROUGH THE TOWN AND STOP AT EACH
HOUSE. IF WELL-BEHAVED CHILDREN LIVED IN THE HOUSE,
HE WOULD THROW WALNUTS IN THE DOOR. IF BAD CHILDREN
LIVED IN THE HOUSE, HE WOULD STAND IN THE DOORWAY,
RATTLE HIS CHAIN AND SHAKE HIS SWITCH AT THEM.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: CANADA ; ONTARIO ; WINDSOR

Keyword(s): Celebrate ; CUSTOM ; holiday ; HUNGARIAN ; Nicholas ; Saint ; St. Nick ; tradition

Date learned: 11-17-1968