Post #79

In Germany, the same tradition exists in the figure of Knecht Ruprecht, helper of Saint Nicholas. The difference with the tradition in the Low Countries, is that Ruprecht does not resemble a Moor. The lack of Spanish clothing and African hairstyle brings the German Ruprecht closer to the mythological figure it represents. The fact that Ruprecht, just as many similar figures, carries a birch rod indicates the traditions having the same origin. In some areas of Europe, the black painted figures go out and hit women with the rod, pointing towards the tradition stemming from a fertility cult.