Traveling within the World
Linking your favorite traveling artists across the globe
The Devil by John Bertrum Ford
The Devil is probably among the most powerful figure in both Christianity and also in hoodoo. However, the Christian Devil is much different than the hoodoo Devil. In Christianity, the term Devil is poorly misused and blood stained, however the term Satan I will use to distinguish the differences between Devil and Satan here. Satan being that of the Judeo/Christian Devil the opposser of God and the Devil as a nature spirit that I will describe here forth.
The Devil is a bringer of good luck. According to old European traditions, this devil-- known variously as Old Nick, Old Scratch, Old Split-Foot, and Der Teufel-- did not begin his career as the "Satan" (adversary) of Christianity and Judaism or the "Prince of Darkness" and "fallen angel" popularized by John Milton in his epic poem "Paradise Lost" (1667-1674).
The old Devil is a Teutonic woods-spirit, an ogre-like trickster who may desire to eat human flesh, but is often friendly to wood-cutters and footloose soldiers. In Germanic folk-tales like those collected by the Grimm Brothers, he is usually described as living out in the woods with his aged grandmother who combs his hair to put him to sleep at night. among Americans of Anglo-Saxon heritage, he is sometimes said to have a wife who quarrels with him.
In the area of Central Eastern Europe comprising Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Rupublic the Devil was never fully absorbed into the Christian mythos as Satan but remained as he had always been, a slender, horned, bearded, fur-covered half-man of the woods. Under the regional names Krampus, Schwarze, Peter (Black Peter), and Knecht Ruprecht (Ruprecht the Servant), he accompanies Saint Nicholas on his rounds of gift-giving, originally on December 6th.
A traditional chant for the Devil once he has revealed himself is as such:
Gruss von Krampus!
Wenn im Herzen brennt das Feuer
freut sich das chwarze Ungeheuer
TRANSLATION
Greetings from Krampus!
When the fire burns in the heart
the black monster rejoices.
The old Devil was a spirit of untamed nature who loved music and in many ways resembled the half-human Greek god Pan (but are very different). Like the West African lwa Ellegua and Legba, he could be met with at a crossroads, where he would make pacts-- but unlike these deities, he was described in folktales as an unpredictable ally, and a rather dim-witted foe who was easily and humorously outwitted. Coincidentally, he also resemble the Guatemalan crossroads deity Maximon, known as San Simon, for he took a special interests in the affairs of drunkards and gamblers.
Nowhere is the devil seen more clearly as a helpful ally than in hoodoo practices that employ the image of the Red Devil to guard one's property. It so happens that there is a popular American brand of lye that bears the trade-name "Red Devil".
Wild animality, shown by the lustfully burning hearts lapped by the long tongue of dancing Krampus, was acknowledge as the Devil's domain. It was Krampus's job to punish children who had behaved badly during the year. Unlike the conventional Christian Devil, Krampus is usually depicted with only one cloven hoof, not two. Not having been a "fallen angel" he is never shown with wings. His tools are a short switch, with which to beat wrong-doers, and a length of chain. The latter emblem is ambiguous in depiction.
Figural candles to represent the Devil is used by practitioners in hoodoo to obtain certain desires. In the song Iko Iko there are indications of two references of the Devil, the Green and also the Red:
"See that man all dressed in red? iko, iko un-day. I bet you ten dollars he'll kill you dead, jakomo finaney"
"See that man all dressed in green? iko, iko un-day. He's not a man, but a loving machine. jakomo finaney."
In Cartomancy (the art of fortelling the future with playing cards) I was taught that the Devil are the JOKERS, and that using them can be very dangerous but can be very rewarding.
RED DEVIL FIGURAL CANDLES are said to cause someone to burn with lust and are used in spells of sexual domination, but are also used to help protect the harm and keep on safe. They are sometimes burned along side with a line of brick dust to help keep the home safe from intruders. In cartomancy, the red JOKER represents the aspects oft he Red Devil, and so when he is drawn depending on how the reading is going he can make matters of the heart and home favorable or worsen.
BLACK DEVIL FIGURAL CANDLES are believed to drive unwanted associates away or cause harm to an enemy.In cartomancy, when there is only a single color of JOKER available in the deck, the Black Devil is represented. He sways the matters to good or bad.
GREEN DEVIL FIGURAL CANDLES are alleged to have the power to compel a debtor to repay money that is owed; they are also burned by folks who wish to have easy money without much labor. In cartomancy, the black JOKER represents the Green Devil and he determines money, business, debts etc.
Because he is a master of the crossroads, he is sometimes and often used as a substitution to Legba in Vodou traditions.
Views: 51
Events
-
2014 is the Chinese Year of the Horse
February 17, 2026 at 12am to February 5, 2027 at 12am – where & how you choose
Birthdays
Important (read & understand)
Skype: Travelingraggyman
Email and Instant Messenger:
TravelerinBDFSM @ aol/aim; hotmail; identi.ca; live & yahoo
OR
Travelingraggyman @ gmail and icq ***
OUR MOST RECENT AWARD
1AWARD UPDATES & INFORMATION
10,000 votes - Platinum Award
5,000 votes - Gold Award
2,500 votes - Silver Award
1,000 votes - Bronze Award
300 votes - Pewter Award
100 votes - Copper Award
Member of the Associated Posting System {APS}
This allows members on various sites to share information between sites and by providing a by line with the original source it credits the author with the creation.
Legal Disclaimer
***************We here at Traveling within the World are not responsible for anything posted by individual members. While the actions of one member do not reflect the intentions of the entire social network or the Network Creator, we do ask that you use good judgment when posting. If something is considered to be inappropriate it will be removed
Site Meter
This site is strictly an artist operational fan publication, no copyright infringement intended
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.
Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.
As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.
We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.
Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.
Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.
Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"
A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?
After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...
Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.
© 2025 Created by Rev. Allen M. Drago ~ Traveler.
Powered by
