Back in mid-evil times, a small city was plagued with evil devils. These creatures would run around, whipping the townspeople and causing mayhem. They distroyed crops, scattered flocks and bullied children and adults alike. This pandemonium continued for a week, until the town leader summoned one St. Nicolaus from southern Austria to rid the city of these unwanted demons.
St. Nicolaus went through the city, performing exorcisms and the like, and as a sign of everything being ok, he put oranges and candies in the shoes of the children who were inside, afraid to leave their houses.
This tradition continues today, whipping included. Man, those things are freaky...
PS- (from left to right) Ballantyne, Hebbert, Beckstead and ME!
