Meet Krampus, the anti-Santa Christmas devil
A terrifying German/Austrian Christmas demon tradition is taking roots in the U.S. and other countries. As a flip side to St. Nicholas, Gruss Von Krampus punishes children who were bad (usually by giving them twigs,) but in some instances he throws them in his sack and takes them to the underworld.
Young men in the mid-19th century used to dress like Krampus and be paid by parents to visit their children, usually on Dec. 5, the eve of St. Nicholas Day, when both Krampus and St. Nick were supposed to be visiting children to dole out their punishment or reward. Many countries across Europe have had a Krampus-like figure, Knecht Ruprecht, Certa, Perchten, Black Peter, Schmutzli, Pelznickel, and Klaubauf are all Christmas devils.
In the 19th century an American version of the European St. Nick became Santa Clause, and he had the task of both giving gifts AND punishing bad kids, but honestly Santa doesn’t do a very good job of doing both things, and basically sticks with giving out the goodies. Now, over the last decade or so, there’s a resurgence of Krampus costumes, greeting cards, and celebrations all over the world. On Dec. 5, or Krampusnacht, revelers dress up in scary masks, usually get drunk, and make a ruckus.
Some of the Krampus events are scheduled tonight and in the coming weeks are Krampus-themed pub crawls, art shows, and parties. It’s definitely a scary-fun addition to the Christmas traditions we’re used to.
What about you? Are you celebrating Krampusnaght?
