Just about every culture has its own version of bogeyman folklore – a creature said to hunt naughty children, or at least that’s what their parents say. Let’s explore three of the creepiest creatures used to scare children into being good.
Bloodybones and Rawhead – UK
Bloodybones first appeared in writing around 1548 with its alternative name – or sometimes accomplice – Rawhead, first appearing in print in 1693. Which ever name you’re more familiar with, these particular beasties emerged first in the UK before traveling to the North America, becoming particularly prevalent in the South.
Much like the mythical Kelpie, Bloodybones and Rawhead are said to reside in bodies of water, dragging any child who strayed too close down to the watery depths – a motif that is repeated in folklore worldwide. Alternatively, he is said to lurk under stairs or in any other dark, spooky place you might not what your children to snooping in.
Appearances vary, with Bloodybones often depicted as a walking skeleton, stripped of flesh and sometimes headless. Rawhead, on the other hand, is seen as either the skinned head who sits upon his friend’s boney shoulders, a skinless human, or in some areas, a boar.
However they appear inn your own personal nightmares, this rather nasty nursery rhyme sums up the pairs’ wicked deeds:
Rawhead and Bloody Bones
Steals naughty children from their homes,
Takes them to his dirty den,
And they are never seen again.
Aunt Tiger – Taiwan
The story goes that a hungry tiger spirit comes down from the mountings and finds a pair of siblings alone in their house. Disguising herself as a kindly woman – or the childrens’ aunt or grandmother – she tricks her way inside and eats the youngest sibling. The eldest, realising the danger, lures the tiger outside where she is killed with boiling water or oil.
The tale itself, comparable to Europe’s Little Red Riding Hood, is a cautionary tale to warn children of the dangers of opening the door to strangers.
With her place in popular culture sealed, Aunt Tiger has inspired films, books and the delightfully threatening nursery rhyme translating to:
Story of a long long time ago
My mommy told me so
In the middle of the dark night
Auntie Tiger is there standing by
Crying baby, don’t you cry
She will bite your little ears
Sleepless baby, go to sleep
She will bite your little fingers
Still remember, still remember
I narrow my eyes and murmur
Auntie Tiger don’t bite me
Obedient baby falls asleep
La Llorona – Central and South America
No list of bogeymen would be complete without a mention of this wailing woman. To quote my own article, Around The World In 80 Ghosts: Part One:
The legend of La Llorona is that of a mother who drowned her children in a fit of rage. Overcome with remorse, she is unable to enter the afterlife and is cursed to roam the earth until she finds her children, wailing.
Although the earliest stories of La Llorona date to the 1550s, some believe that her inspiration comes from the Aztec mythology of “The Hungry Woman,” who wails for food as she stalks the night.
In her current form, La Llorona is another example of a water based spirit who haunts rivers, lakes and shorelines, frightening children away from the very real threat of drowning.
In recent years she has become an all in one bogeyman figure who’s crossed the cultural divide into North America, gaining popularity amongst English speakers.
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