It's physical abuse, but in this country they call it tradition

Krampus... Let me tell you they are VERY creepy. For those of you who don't know what a Krampus is, he is the evil side of St Nicholas. He warns and punishes the bad children while St Nikolas gives the good children candy and such (St Nikolas Day is Dec 6). These characters dress up and run around the streets scaring and wipping people during the early parts of December, but especially on the night of Dec 5th.
They wear bells on their butts so you can here them coming. But if you run... they will chase you... and if you seem afraid, they will wip you harder and not leave you alone...I think I'll stay inside on Sunday night :)