Peklák
Peklák is a traditional Slovak Christmas custom that involves the creation of a small, often grotesque effigy representing the Devil or other malevolent figures. The practice is rooted in pre-Christian Slavic folklore and has been adapted into various forms of Christmas folklore across Central Europe. The term *peklo* means "hell" in Slovak, reflecting the effigy’s association with evil or the underworld.
The Peklák is typically crafted from materials such as straw, wood, or even old clothing, and is
The origins of Peklák can be traced back to pagan winter solstice traditions, where effigies were burned
While the practice has declined in modern times due to secularization and changing cultural attitudes, Peklák