So who/what/when is Krampus?
Krampus is a horned beast who resembles a hairy goat demon. There is no consensus as to where Krampus originated but it believed have stemmed from old Alpine folktales and part of Pagen winter solstice rituals. The name possibly comes from the German word for claw, Krampen . With the spread of Christianity , his tale , like that of many other Pagen folktales was incorporated into the new Christian traditions , in this case the Feast of St Nicholas.
Krampusnacht starts on the evening of December 5th. It is closely tied to the visit of St Nicholas on December 6th. Instead of delivering gifts to the children a la St. Nick, Krampus arrives to punish the children who have been naughty that year. He isn’t there to leave a lump of coal or two . Oh no, no such luck. He carries birch sticks to whip the naughty children . A naughty child could be left a birch stick in their shoe to let the child know that Krampus was watching. In some versions of the folklore , Krampus kidnaps the naughty children and takes them back to. Hell. And you thought Bambi’s mom scarred you as a child! Of course today it’s more for fun than for fear.
Krampus is primarily celebrated in Alpine areas still. Think Austria, Tyrol , parts of Germany .He has been known to visit a Christmas market to two as well. There is a large Krampus event in Schladming, Austria yearly with about 800 Krampus dressed participants and 8000 spectators. The release of the movie Krampus as only increased his popularity and celebrations are even found in the US .
