Well hello to everyone in Acorn land and hope everyone is having a great: Christmas, Hanukkah, Eid al-Adha, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Bodhi Day, and any other holidays around December that we have missed.
For this edition of the Acorn Blog, we are going to look at a celebration held around December and is a mixture of Halloween and Christmas all mixed together with a dash of good old-world euphoria (Whisper …Paganism). Let’s keep this on the DL if you know what I mean.
Luckly for this Acorn Head, I wasn’t aware of this event until I was a lot older, thank goodness. I remember being placed on Santa’s lap and freaking out in the North Valley Mall in Thornton, Colorado. If I was introduced to this celebration, I would have had a Chernobyl type of breakdown. NOT GOOD!!
If this sounds like your type of walk down Elm Street, then read on but you might want to have an extra shot of Bourbon in your eggnog.
The Story of the Krampus
The tale of Krampus unfolds as the story of an anti-Santa figure, described as a half-goat demon and purported offspring of the Norse god of the underworld. Operating during the Christmas season, Krampus dishes out punishment to misbehaving children, occasionally dragging them to hell. (Now this is a pleasant thought for a young Acorn Head) His arrival is said to occur on the night of December 5th, known as “Krampusnacht.” The approach of Krampus is often signaled by the distinct sounds of his bare human foot alongside the clip-clop of his cloven hoof. On sighting him, one cannot miss the birch branches he wields, intended for disciplining naughty children. Krampus instills fear during Christmastime, particularly in Austria and the Alpine region.
Who Is Krampus, the Malevolent Companion of Saint Nick?
While depictions of Krampus vary across regions, certain features remain consistent: he is often described with pointed devilish horns, a long snake-like tongue, and a body covered in coarse fur, resembling a fusion of a goat and a demon. This sounds a lot like my first-grade teacher Ms. King if memory serves me right, but I’m sure she had a ruler instead of birch branches.
The Legend
His body and arms are adorned with chains and bells, and he totes a sizable sack or basket on his back for transporting misbehaving children. Depending on one’s luck, the consequence could range from a swat with a birch branch to ending up in the ominous sack. Subsequent fate is uncertain, with legends proposing scenarios such as being consumed as a snack, drowned in a river, or dispatched to Hell. Occasionally, Krampus is accompanied by Saint Nicholas, who, unlike his sinister counterpart, focuses on rewarding well-behaved children with presents in Central Europe.
Many believe Krampus originates from the pagan past of the Alpine region. The name is derived from the German word “krampen,” meaning “claw,” and his appearance aligns with Norse legends about the offspring of Hel, the god of the underworld. This theory gains credence as Krampus’ emergence coincides with pagan winter rites, particularly those involving parades to disperse winter’s ghosts.
In some portrayals, Krampus bears a resemblance to the Christian Devil. As Christianity gained prominence in the region, Krampus’ features evolved to align with Christian beliefs. Chains, not originally part of Hel’s son’s depiction, were added by Christians to evoke the binding of the Devil. Other devilish qualities, including the basket for transporting wicked children to Hell, were also incorporated under Christian influence.
The transformation of Krampus, initially associated with winter festivities, into a figure intertwined with Christian traditions and the legend of Saint Nicholas during Christmastime can be traced through these changes.
The Contemporary Krampus and Krampusnacht Festivities
In the present day, Krampus has its own celebration in the Alpine region, taking place on the day preceding the Feast of Saint Nicholas. Each December 5th, known as “Krampusnacht,” well-dressed Saint Nicks join forces with elaborately attired Krampuses to visit homes and businesses, presenting gifts along with playful threats. Some individuals exchange Krampusnacht greeting cards featuring the horned creature accompanied by festive and humorous messages.
During this night, large groups, especially young men, and I’m sure the downing of a few adult beverages, often don Krampus costumes and roam the streets, playfully chasing friends and passersby with birch sticks. Witnesses describe the celebration as rowdy, with tourists discovering that seeking refuge in a coffee shop won’t necessarily prevent them from receiving a hearty swat. However, these swats, typically aimed at the legs, are part of the spirited atmosphere, mitigating any discomfort.
The tradition has evolved to encompass costly handmade masks, intricate costumes, and even parades. While some criticize the increasing commercialization of the celebration, certain elements of the original festival persist. Handcrafted Krampus masks, carved from wood with considerable labor, are noteworthy examples. Artisans invest months in creating costumes, and some end up on display in museums, showcasing a living tradition of folk art.
The survival of this ancient tradition into the present is remarkable, considering Krampus faced a challenging battle for existence. In 1923, the Fascist Christian Social Party in Austria banned all Krampus-related activities, citing Krampus as a force for evil. The reasons behind the ban were somewhat unclear, revolving around Krampus’ ties to the Christian Devil or, less distinctly, to the Social Democrats. It’s good to hear that even back then, politicians had their hands in everything. Next thing you know they are going to ban dancing and Kevin Bacon…oh, wait. Regardless, the party distributed pamphlets titled “Krampus is an Evil Man,” cautioning parents against exposing young children to the perceived threats of a violent holiday intruder.
While concerns were raised about the potential psychological impact of frightening children with tales of being eaten by Saint Nick’s malevolent counterpart, society was not significantly swayed. The ban imposed by the Fascist Christian Social Party lasted merely four years, with lingering disapproval fading shortly thereafter. Ultimately, Krampus endured.
By the close of the 20th century, Krampus experienced a resurgence, making a robust comeback. In recent years, this folklore figure has crossed the Atlantic, gaining popularity in the United States. Krampus has made appearances on various TV shows, such as Grimm, Supernatural, Josh Gates and The Colbert Report.
Certain American cities, including Los Angeles, New York, New Orleans and even Washington D.C. now host annual Krampus celebrations featuring costume contests, parades, traditional dances, bell-ringing, and Alpine horn blowing. Attendees typically don cookies, dirndls, and masks. For those seeking a blend of Christmas and Halloween, exploring whether your city hosts a Krampusnacht celebration is recommended, and don’t forget to dress up for the occasion but always keep looking over your shoulder, you never know when a mean half inebriated Krampus might be sneaking up on you.
Good Night Ms. King…Wherever you are.
What about Belsnickel – is he an evolved Krampus?
I’m loving that you are bringing up another great character in European Folklore brought over to America. I also love the fact that you caused me to do a little research of my own. It appears that Belsnickel is from the folklore of the Palatinate region of southwestern Germany along the Rhine, and Saarland. There are similarities between Belsnickel and Krampus with the punishment with switches or branches of misbehaved children and these characters doling out of punishment. Thanks for the idea and there is always next year for Belsnickel. So, to answer your questions, I’d say that they are simi-related.
Thanks