What does Pere Fouettard give french kids?

Answer 1

Pere Fouettard goes round with St Nicolas on 6th December (St Nicolas day). Traditionally, whilst St Nicolas gives presents to good children, Pere Fouettard either whips (hence fouettard from the french verb to whip 'fouetter') or gives lumps of coal to bad children.

The origins of Pere Fouettard are from a legend and popular song connected with St Nicolas.

In the story, three children become lost and fall into the hands of an evil butcher. Having done away with them, he then chops them into little pieces and puts them in a large salting tub. St Nicolas rescues the children, miraculously heals them and reunites them with their families.

This legend reinforces St Nicolas' status as a guardian of children and there are many depictions of St Nicolas with three children in a barrel as a result.

The evil butcher became Pere Fouettard though these days, rather than whipping or dispensing coal to children, he is more feared because he will tell St Nicolas which children have been naughty and therefore don't deserve a present.