Folkloristic spanking traditions

Ceremonial whipping of a boy in Sparta

Knecht Ruprecht with his birch approaches a child (1852)

Folkloristic spanking traditions are folk-lore traditions that involve elements of corporal punishment (such as spanking or whipping), either really enacted or just in symbolic forms such as carrying decorated willow or birch rods, in a most joyful, non-punitive sense. They are typically celebrated on a special day of the year as part of the traditional celebration rituals of that day. Sometimes they have a religious background or are interpreted in a religious sense, so this topic overlaps strongly with 'religious spanking traditions.

The ritualistic spanking or whipping is usually thought to be a blessing, to bring good luck, health, or fertility.