Krampus
Krampus is a figure from European folklore, particularly associated with Christmas traditions in several countries, including Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, and parts of Germany and Italy. Often depicted as a malevolent creature that is part-goat and part-demon, Krampus serves as a dark counterpart to Saint Nicholas, punishing misbehaving children while Saint Nicholas rewards the good ones with gifts. The legend of Krampus likely has roots in pagan traditions that were adapted into Christian practices, where he may symbolize the transition from pagan to Christian winter celebrations. Historically, Krampus was associated with various horned figures thought to ward off evil spirits, evolving over time into a creature recognized for carrying a bundle of sticks to beat naughty children and a sack to take them away.
The celebrations surrounding Krampus include Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night, on December 5, where groups of men dress as Krampus and engage in playful antics, often called Krampuslauf. While these traditions have persisted in some European countries, Krampus has also gained traction in the United States since the mid-2010s, becoming a popular figure in holiday-themed events and merchandise. Today, Krampus is viewed with less menace and often embraced in a more humorous or commercial light, reflecting a blend of old European customs and contemporary culture.
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Krampus
Krampus is a malevolent creature from European folklore that is closely associated with Christmas and Saint Nicholas. The legend of Krampus is popular in a number of European countries, including Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, and parts of Germany and Italy. Although Krampus is associated with Saint Nicholas, he is an evil monster-like, part-goat and part-deamon figure said to beat, or even kill, children who misbehave throughout the year. Krampus is contrasted with Saint Nicholas who rewards good children with presents on Christmas. The creature was most likely based on pagan traditions and gods that were altered to act as a compliment to Christian holidays. Although based on centuries-old folklore, Krampus is still celebrated in some modern Christmas traditions. Though Krampus is not a traditional part of holiday observances in the United States, the creature gained popularity in some cities beginning in the mid-2010s, particularly New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New Orleans.
Background
Krampus has been a part of European tradition for hundreds of years. His legend may also go back even further. Although the definitive origins of the mythology are unclear, some historians believe that Krampus was part of a pagan ritual that was adapted into Christian tradition. The name Krampus is most likely related to the German word krampen, meaning “claw.” Some historians believe that the tale of Krampus grew out of the pagan belief in horned creatures that kept evil spirits out of the home. Others believe Krampus might have developed from Norse mythology from a character who was once the son of the Norse god Hel. However, Krampus is most likely an amalgamation of stories and figures that were blended together over time.
The early Christian church disapproved of all pagan traditions and it did its best to replace pagan gods and traditions with Christian-based elements. Pagan traditions and holidays were often adapted to fit with Christian holidays so that people could continue to celebrate them without persecution from the Church.
In some European nations, people were practicing customs in which men wore horns and dressed in shaggy furs to ward off evil spirits in the winter. Groups of men would even run around villages at night dressed in these outfits. As Christian traditions took hold, many communities began having someone dress up as Saint Nicholas and parade through the town. This is most likely how Krampus and Saint Nicholas became associated with each other. It allowed people to keep their longstanding traditions in conjunction with their newfound Christian identity.
The original Krampus that developed in Europe eventually became associated with the Christian devil, with physical features, such as hooves, horns, and a long tongue. Krampus also carried a bundle of sticks so that he could beat children who misbehaved. Similar to Saint Nicholas, Krampus also wore a sack on his back, but this sack was used to collect bad children and take them to hell. Traditions also stated that Krampus would sometimes eat or drown bad children.
Overview
Eventually, Krampus became associated with Christmas, specifically with Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus. Before the two traditions merged, Saint Nicholas was known for giving good children gifts and bad children sticks in their shoes. When Krampus was added to the tradition, Saint Nicholas only gave gifts to good children and did not have anything to do with those who misbehaved. Instead, Krampus was said to punish bad children by beating, killing, or eating them, or dragging them to hell. Although the Krampus tradition likely began as a way to keep old traditions alive, it eventually changed many European Christian traditions.
Some countries still include Krampus as an important part of the Christmas celebration. In those places, Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus is said to give gifts to good children, while Krampus punishes those who have been bad. Some people put painted twigs in front of their homes before the Christmas holiday to help remind children that they should be good or face punishment from Krampus.
On December 6, people across Europe celebrate Nikolaustag, or St. Nicholas Day. December 5 is known as Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night, when Krampus is said to come and dole out his punishments to children that night so that St. Nicholas can reward the good children the following evening. On Krampus Night, the Krampuslauf, meaning "Krampus run," occurs as a central part of traditional Krampus celebrations. Groups of men dress up as Krampus and parade through town, yelling, hitting onlookers with sticks, and causing trouble. Many cover their costumes with foul-smelling odors using spoiled meat or garbage. Other times (rarely), they give gifts in return for drinks or other treats.
Krampusnacht and the other Krampus celebrations keep the mythology of Krampus alive, but in most places where Krampus is celebrated today, he has come to be seen as less menacing than he was in the past. Some people in countries that have traditional Krampus celebrations feel that the legend of Krampus has become too commercialized. Numerous types of Krampus merchandise, like Krampus chocolates or stuffed figures, are available for purchase.
When some European immigrants came to the United States, they brought the tradition of Krampus with them. For example, German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania spread the mythology of Krampus into American culture. Although Krampus was not an important part of most Christmas celebrations in the United States, the figure has gained popularity in popular culture. In 2015, the comedy-horror film Krampus incorporated the legend of the character dragging people to hell. Furthermore, commercialized products, including stickers and greeting cards, have been sold in the United States as a sort of tongue-in-cheek counterbalance to typical Christmas traditions. By the end of the 2010s, some American cities were hosting Krampus races, festivals, and other events.
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