Emporiblog - Krampus
Who is Krampus?
Krampus is a half goat, half demon monster creature that is said to either be the companion of or the evil twin of Santa Claus/St Nickolas, who punishes children at Christmas time if they have misbehaved.
Where did Krampus come from?
Krampus is said to have originated from Germany, around the 12th century AD. His name actually comes from the word Krampen, which is the German word for claw. Krampus has been part of Pagan rituals for the winter solstice for many years and even has a place in Norse mythology as the son of the underworld Goddess Hel. He wasn't always associated with Christmas, that came about with the spread of Christianity, despite the best efforts of the church to erase him completely.
On December the 5th, also known as Krampusnacht or Krampus Night, Krampus and St Nick would pay a visit to children. St Nick would reward those who had behaved well and Krampus would punish those who had misbehaved. Stories vary on his punishment methods with references to the following:
- Beating the offending children with birch sticks
- Stuffing the children into a sack
- Eating them
- Taking them to Hell
- Leaving a lump of coal behind (sound familiar?)
The following day, St Nickolas' Day was when children would find out if they had presents or for those who had been deemed unworthy to tend to their wounds, depending on the punishment method.
Both St Nick and Krampus are said to announce their arrivals with bells. St Nick's would be jolly and friendly whereas Krampus' would be eerie and foreboding.
Does Krampus still have a place in modern times?
Yes he does. He has been popular in parts of Germany and Austria since his inception and the tradition of the Krampuslauf or Krampus Run has continued to this day, along with Krampusnacht.
Krampuslauf used to involve drunken men running about the town, dressed as Krampus, scaring children along the way. In modern Krampuslauf, there is still drinking involved but there is slightly more decorum and more organisation.
Krampus got a popularity boost in 1890s with the help of Krampuskarten which roughly translates to Krampus Card which came from the German/Austrian postcard boom.
There is also a film from 2015 entitled Krampus, which turns a families Christmas upside down and will make you constantly watch the Gingerbread men! Krampus was also referenced in the American TV show Grimm, which I highly recommend!
Krampus might not be as internationally known as Santa but he has his place in folklore and in modern times.
I hope you've enjoyed this post! If you hear some eerie bells on Christmas Eve, you better watch out....
Blessings,
C )0(
👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
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