You’ll wish coal was all you got when Krampus is in town

In a few short days the world’s children will wake up and drag their parents out of bed before the sun has even risen. They will run out and check the tree to see what goodies jolly old Saint Nick has left for them. But what about those children who have not been good? Well Krampus just may pay them a visit.

As Santa Claus is out spreading joy to all the boys and girls, Krampus will be stalking the shadows bringing punishment. Krampus is usually described as being covered with dark fur, horns, a forked tongue, cloven hooves and sometimes sports chains and carrying a sack. But where did this half-goat, half-demon come from?

The real origin of Krampus is hard to pin down exactly. Speculation is that Krampus, like Santa Claus predates Christianity and has its roots in pagan traditions. Krampus in Norse mythology is the son of Hel. The word Krampus derives from the German word krampen, which translates to claw.

Krampus is a part of holiday tradition in many countries such as Austria, Bavaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia and parts of Italy. Krampus visits naughty children and instead of gifts he leaves them a bundle of birch sticks. Or he will whip the children with the sticks instead. He may even take the children in his sack to torture, drown or taken back to Hell with him.

Image via Buzzfeed

The Feast of St. Nicholas celebrated on December 6th is a joyous occasion in many parts of Europe. But the night before,  December 5^th,  belongs to Krampus. Known as Krampusnacht (Krampus Night), he stalks the darkened streets and visits each house. The children not beaten, kidnapped, and drowned who were good all year get presents the next night from St. Nicholas.

Krampus is in league with St. Nicholas and does the dirty work. Think of St. Nicholas and Krampus as the yin and yang of the holidays. Holiday cards and illustrations dating back to the 1800’s feature Krampus, sometimes humorous other times not so much.

But Krampus has not always been welcomed with open arms. In the 1930’s Austria was under fascist control and Krampus became prohibited by law. Costumes, celebrations and parades were illegal. Even in the 1950’s a brochure circulated hilariously titled “Krampus is an evil man”.

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After the fall of fascism the traditions and celebrations including Krampus began to see a revival. Now huge parades and intricate Krampus costumes line the streets. To the uninitiated a large parade of demonic creatures stomping through the streets should put anybody on their best behavior.

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So this year he’s making a list and he’s checking it twice. He’s gonna visit those naughty or not nice. Be sure to tell the children if they are bad a lump of coal will be the least of their worries. Krampus is always there watching and waiting. So when you hear a noise on your roof, just know it is not always Saint Nicholas.