A horned beast half-goat, half-demon is the least expected Christmas character and certainly not a very beloved one, however, Krampus is one that over the years has recovered its presence, and nowadays, in some parts of the Alps it even has its own day with parades and festivities.
Krampus, best described as Santa’s antithesis is a folklore tale born in eastern Europe and that its day marks the holidays.
Who is Krampus?
Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon with long horns, dark hair, fangs, and a long tongue.
It carries a bell and branches to, literally, beat naughty children. Legend has it that Krampus puts misbehaved kids into its sack and taken to the underworld either to be tortured or worst… eaten.
Basically, Krampus is the antithesis of Santa Claus and they even work together. On the 5th and 6th night of December, while Santa gives presents to those good kids, this demon takes care of the naughty ones.
Krampus origins
Krampus’ origins have nothing to do with Christmas, but rather with pre-Christian paganism in Austria and Germany.
His name originates with the German word krampen, which means “claw” and was believed to be the son of the Norse god of the underworld, Hel.
However, once Christianism started to be the main belief in the region, Krampus tradition was no longer accepted mainly because of its relation with the Devil.
Luckily, traditions are sometimes stronger than beliefs, therefore Krampus started to be seen as a helper of Saint Nicholas. While he treats the good boys, Krampus takes care of the naughty ones.
But, this Christmas devil got forbidden once more during the fascist era in Austria and World War II mainly because it was considered a creation of the Social Democrats.
Krampus day
It is believed that on the night of December 5, Krampus visits homes, sometimes accompanied by Saint Nicholas, to accomplish their job.
This is known as Krampusnacht.
In modern times, Krampusnacht is celebrated with people dressing up as Krampus, drinking and singing in the street of some Austrian or German cities, and remembering one of the pagan’s traditions of Europe.
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