Everyone knows about Santa Clause, also known as St. Nick. Every Christmas he brings happiness to all the good children in the world by providing gifts under the Christmas tree, but do you know about his evil counterpart, Krampus? Krampus’s name comes from the German word for “claw”, krampen. With a name like that, no wonder he has origins in being the son of the Norse god of the underworld Hel. Krampus, being the son of the underworld, comes with some hellish looks as well. Half-man, half-goat, all demon, Krampus prowls the streets in search of naughty children.
As an Eastern European legend, Krampus follows the traditions of Austrian and German Christmas. On December 5, St. Nick travels to each child’s house delivering candy in the shoes of good children and birch twigs in the shoes of naughty children. Krampus on the other hand follows in St. Nick’s steps with a different plan in mind for the naughty children. Like his saintly counterpart, Krampus also carries birch. Yet, his birch is a stick that he uses to beat children with. This is not all Krampus has to offer though. According to the legend, Krampus will sometimes take the naughty children who have misbehaved throughout the year, put them in his sack and take them to his lair , which is typically said to be a cave that leads to the underworld, to be eaten.
Reading this, you may wonder why a legend like this was created around such a joyous time of year. Well, Krampus isn’t the only punishing holiday legend. Many countries in Europe have similar myths. Other parts of Germany have Belsnickle and Knecht Ruprecht, black-bearded men who also hit children, France has Hans Trapp and Père Fouettard and The Netherlands have Zwarte Piet. These menacing legends have created quite a following in today’s society.
Krampuslauf has become a highly popular tradition in Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia and the Czech Republic. Krampuslauf is an event in which men and women dress as the wild creature. Bearing large furs, horns, homemade masks and chains, the group runs down the streets of cities showing their attires to the public and scaring young children in the process. This legend has actually become quite popular in modern European culture attracting a variety of tourists to their annual events. Shops become dedicated to selling Krampus costumes as well as local vendors begin to sell Krampus themed beverages and foods.
Here’s to a holiday season filled with kindness and Krampus!
—
Edited by Katie Carnefix